Soldiers kill four, arrest six herdsmen –Army

Nigerian Army yesterday said troops of Operation Lafiya Dole killed four suspected militia men during an encounter in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State. It added that soldiers attached to 707 Special Forces Brigade arrested six suspected herdsmen at Kwata Sule in Benue State, for allowing their cattle to graze on farmlands.

The Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brig-Gen. Texas Chukwu, made the disclosures in separate statements yesterday. He said: “Troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, in the ongoing Operation Lafiya Dole on fighting patrol, on 17 March (Saturday) about 12:30p.m.encountered members of militia group massing up at Burra Junction in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The militia men on sighting our troops opened fire on them. “Troops reacted immediately by engaging the militia men.

At the end of the encounter, four militias were killed. Troops recovered five Dane guns, 38 motorcycles and nine bicycles. Nine militia men were also arrested while a soldier who sustained gunshot wounds is stable, having been evacuated to the hospital and receiving treatment. “Troops are closely in pursuit of the fleeing militias with the view of apprehending more of them.”

Chukwu also said that troops of 707 Special Forces Brigade arrested six herdsmen, caught in the act of farmland destruction. He said: “Troops while on patrol in the general area of Kwata Sule on 17 March 18 encountered the herdsmen in the act prompting their arrest. After initial interrogation, the suspects were handed over to the police for further action.

“Similarly, troops on patrol in the general area of Chembe, Tse-Gundu, Tse-Iordye and Sbaor settlements sighted two herdsmen on motorcycle along Kwata Shaor River bank. Herdsmen abandoned their motorcycle and fled. “On search of the general area, one round of 7.62mm special was discovered. Troops continue to dominate the general area with patrols.”