At least 21 bandits killed in northwest Nigeria

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS Nigeria

At least 21 armed bandits were killed and 17 others arrested as troops raided their hideouts in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina and Zamfara states, the country’s military said on Tuesday.

Major Clement Abiade, an army spokesman in the area, said in a statement that two informants were arrested, while 89 persons, which were held captives by the bandits, were also freed.

“11 civilians and one vigilante were killed by bandits,” Abiade said, adding that the operations against the suspected criminals took place between Jan. 22 and 28.

He said six more civilians were also kidnapped in the area and are yet to be rescued.

Zamfara has witnessed violent attacks on local communities by armed bandits believed to be cattle thieves or kidnappers who abduct people and extort ransom before freeing them.

Hundreds have been killed in the security crisis, leading to government setting up new army posts in the area.