Army arrests vigilante leader accused of aiding bandits in Kaduna

The Nigerian Army said it has arrested a top Kaduna-based vigilante alleged to be working with bandits terrorising the state and its environs.

On December 9, 2021, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Kaduna State staged a protest over the arrest of their commander, Aminu Sani, popularly known as Bolo.

Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko, who confirmed the arrest and said that the troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the Operation Thunder Strike and Whirl Punch arrested Bolo for allegedly aiding banditry.

Onyeuko said a bandit arrested on December 3, 2021, at Paka community in Igabi Local Government Area of the state told the military that Bolo was aiding banditry.

According to him, the general security situation in the Operation Thunder Strike/Whirl Punch theatres was relatively calm within the period in focus, adding that, a few incidents of security concern were recorded.

He said, in the course of the operations within the period, troops intercepted and arrested criminal elements as well as recovered arms and ammunition.

”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.” he said.