Adeniyi Olugbemi, Sokoto

Troops of 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army tagged ‘Corridor 1 of operations IDON RAINI’, on Monday evening, engaged bandits in a shootout between Dansadau and Gidan Kawoje village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

During the gun battle, one of the suspected bandits was killed by the troops, while others escaped with gunshot wounds, according to a statement released by the army spokesman in Sokoto, Major Clement Abiade.

He said, “Also, one Halima, a kidnapped victim was rescued by the troops.

“Items recovered include one motorcycle and a mobile phone during the search.”

Abiade, however, asked residents of Maru and environs to be vigilant and report any suspect(s) with a gunshot wound to relevant security outfits.

In a related development, troops in Maradun also apprehended one Muhammad Usman, who was on his way to Sokoto to collect weapons for bandits in Zamfara State, from one Mallam Yellow, who was also arrested at his residence in Sokoto.

Items recovered from the suspects include one submachine gun, five mobile phones, vehicle plate number and cash of one hundred and twenty-five thousand naira.

The two suspects and exhibits recovered from them had been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.