By Idris Ibrahim, Abuja
Troops of 8 Division have arrested armed suspected hoodlums while on routine patrol along Sokoto-Gusau road, Sokoto state.
The suspects are said to be causing “mayhem, extorting and threatening lives of innocent citizens” within the state metropolis, Major Clement Abiade, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations said in a statement issued on Saturday.
Mr. Abiade gave the names of the arrested suspects as; Auwalu Shehu, Murtala Garba, Jamilu Bello, Abubakar Aliyu, Musa Abubakar, Zayyanu Aliyu and Bashir Sarkinpawa.
“Troops of 8 Division, Nigerian army in Sokoto on January 9 at about 6:30pm while on routine patrol for the safety and serenity of the metropolitan ran into group of hoodlums causing mayhem, extorting and threatening lives of innocent citizens along Sokoto-gusau road,” army said.
Items recovered from the culprits include; Five machetes, two knives, two catapults and sizeable number of stones. Others include one automobile tyre ream and three bottles of codeine.
Army said preliminary investigation is still ongoing and the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate authority for prosecution.
The Military flag off Operation Python Dance III in the North-west region to tackle the menace of kidnapping, armed robbery, farmers/herders clashes, banditry and cattle rustling.
