Army loses 3 soldiers, kills 55, arrests 24 bandits in Zamfara

Andrew Orolua, Abuja

The Nigerian Army has said it troops on “Operation Sharan Daji” have killed 55 bandits and rescued no fewer than 760 villagers in Zamfara state in a renewed effort to free the state from armed bandits.

However, the army said it lost an officer, two soldiers and some members of the local vigilantes during the encounter with bandits in Kagara Forest. The troops also arrested 24 suspected bandits’ informants, rustlers, kidnappers and the terrorists’ logistics suppliers during the operation.

This was disclosed by acting Force Information officer, Major Clement Abiade, in a statement in Sokoto.

He stated that the intensity of efforts in the conduct of the military activities in the past weeks had achieved tremendous successes leading to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and rustled cattle.

“The troops also had several encounters with bandits during the period and neutralized 55 of them. A total of 24 suspected bandits’ informants, rustlers, kidnappers and logistics suppliers were arrested during the period in focus.

“The suspects have been handed over to police for investigation and possible prosecution.

Similarly, the air component of Operation SHARAN DAJI carried out several air strikes around Kagara, Gando, Fankama, Fete, and Dumburum forests.

Subsequent operations in the forests led to the rescue of 760 abductees. The abductees consisted of men, women, and children from communities in Zamfara state.

“Troops of Operation SHARAN DAJI recovered four AK47 rifles, one Rocket Propelled Gun tube, 12 dane guns, 27 AK47 magazines, 168 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, one pump action gun, 47 motor-cycles, a Golf Volkswagon car, 61 rustled cattle, three pounds of marijuana, nicotine and Tramadol during the period under review,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the force commander has commiserated with the families of the fallen officer and soldiers, and others who lost their lives.

While praying that their sacrifices and quest for peace in Zamfara state would not be in vain, he urged the men of Operation SHARAN DAJI to remain resolute in tackling the menace of armed banditry in state.

NSIA announces appointment of 2 executive directors

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) yesterday announced the confirmation by the Presidency of the appointment of two executive directors to the NSIA board.

In a statement by the NSIA Communications Adviser, Titilope Olubiyi, Mrs. Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli has been reappointed as executive director for a second term. She is also the chief operating officer of the authority.

Also, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, who is the NSIA’s deputy head of direct investments, has been appointed for the first time as an executive director.

According to the statement, the appointments follow the realignment in 2018 of NSIA’s strategy with a pivot towards domestic infrastructure, as reflected in the allocation of 50 per cent of future contributions to infrastructure investments.

In 2018, the NSIA board established for the first time a direct investment committee for review and oversight of investments in core domestic infrastructure sectors, such as motorways, agriculture, healthcare, power and education.

Recent NSIA initiatives that reflect this increased focus on domestic infrastructure include the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) which will fast-track the completion of five infrastructure projects of national priority, namely; Abuja-Kano road, second Niger Bridge, East-West road, Lagos-Ibadan expressway and Mambilla hydro – electric power plant.

NSIA is also galvanizing investments in tertiary healthcare. The authority invested in the development of the LUTH Cancer Treatment Centre and is developing advanced diagnostic centres in AKTH, Kano and FMCU, Umuahia.