Arrested Civilian JTF commander is working with bandits – Army

The Military High Command on Thursday December 9, explained why it arrested head of vigilantes in Rigasa area of Kaduna State, Aminu Sani, popularly known as Bolo.

Brig.-Gen. Benard Onyeuko, the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations told newsmen that troops of Nigerian Army attached to the Operation THUNDER STRIKE and WHIRL PUNCH, arrested Bolo over alleged ties to bandits.

Bolo was arrested after a notorious bandit was nabbed on December 3, 2021, at Paka community in Igabi LGA of the State.

Onyeuko said the notorious bandit told troops that the head of vigilantes in Rigasa was aiding banditry in the environment.

The DHQ spokesperson said;

”The general security situation in the Operation THUNDER STRIKE/WHIRL PUNCH theatres were relatively calm within the period in focus. However, a few incidents of security concern were recorded.

”In the course of the operations within the period, troops intercepted and arrested criminal elements as well as recovered arms and ammunitions.

”Notably, on 3 December 2021, troops arrested a notorious armed bandit at Paka community in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State, who revealed that the Head of vigilantes in Rigasa aids armed banditry and is involved in some attacks and kidnap incidents in the environment.

”Other incidents with significant results were recorded at; Hayin Gada and Rugan Alhaji Ori villages in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State.”

Onyeuko added that troops had held peace and security meetings with critical stakeholders as non-kinetic means of tackling insecurity.