5000 IDPS Return To Settle In Their Homes In Zamfara

Over 5,000 Return Home In Zamfara

Flush Out Bandit Operations In Zamfara have resulted in over 5,000 Internally Displaced Persons returning to their villages in the state.

The outgoing Force Commander of the operation, Major General Muhammad Muhammad made this known while speaking with journalists shortly after handing over the command to his successor, Major General Stevenson Olabanji in Gusau on Wednesday.

The Army had launched Operation Sharan Daji to flush out the bandits and secure communities that had come under attacks in recent months from bandits hitherto operating freely in the area.

The operation, which began on July 1, 2018, is being conducted across troubled spots in the Northwest and North Central parts of the country.

Muhammad said residents displaced by armed bandits especially around Galadi, Kwaddi and Katuru villages in Zurmi and Shinkafi Local Government Areas of the state were back home safely, adding that the operation has stabilized the affected area and neutralized several bandits while others on the run are being pursued by troops.

Muhammad also said that farming activities have gradually resumed in other villages affected by the bandits attacks in Maradun Local Government Area.

He expressed full confidence that the new commander would sustain the operation until all bandits are neutralised and the communities made safe for normal activities.

Earlier, Olabanji, the new commander of Operation Sharan Daji, pledged to pursue the operation with renewed vigour.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Olabanji, recently reassigned from Monguno in Borno, will also serve as the Officer Commanding of the newly established 8 Division, Nigeria Army, Sokoto.

The division will supervise formations in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Katsina states.