Troops kill 3, clear cattle rustlers’ den in Bauchi

—The Nigerian Army said, yesterday, that troops of Forward Operation Base, FOB, Ningi of 33 Artillery Brigade killed three rustlers and freed three hostages during a patrol at Dutsen Dumburum, Ningi Local Government Area, Bauchi State. It was learned that following intelligence reports and confirmation of the presence of kidnappers and cattle rustlers in the Bauchi locality, the troops organised a fighting patrol to the area. A statement by Col Sani Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, said: “During the patrol, the team encountered the armed bandits and after fierce exchange of gunfire, they were overpowered. “The troops killed three of the armed bandits and rescued three kidnapped females held hostages by the bandits pending payment of ransom. The patrol team also recovered many items including arms and ammunition before destroying the camp. “The recovered items include two AK-47 rifles, two locally-made Sub-Machine Guns, one double-barrelled dane gun, 68 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and four AK-47 rifle magazines. “Others include two Boxer motorcycles and two mobile telephone handsets.” Visit Adamawa Meanwhile, following an attack on Kuda community in Adamawa State by suspected Boko Haram terrorists, and killing of 18 mourners at a funeral ceremony recently, the Commander, 28 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General Felix Omoigui, visited and commiserated with the families of the deceased in the community. He assured the people that the military and, indeed, the security agencies were there to protect them, adding that his command would do all that is possible to track and apprehend the assailants. He also assured that the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hiding in the area would be found and rooted out, noting that that could not be successfully done without the active cooperation and support of the people. He further encouraged them to be more vigilant and security conscious and report any suspicious movement or persons immediately. Responding on behalf of the community, District Head of Gulak, Alhaji Ijadi Bello, thanked the Commander and acknowledged that there was need for closer collaboration between the security agencies and his people.