Nigerian Army says the head of vigilantes in Rigasa area of Kaduna State was arrested for allegedly aiding banditry.
The commander, Aminu Sani, popularly known as Bolo, was recently arrested by the military.
Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Benard Onyeuko, told newsmen in Abuja, on Thursday, that troops of Nigerian Army attached to the Operation THUNDER STRIKE and WHIRL PUNCH, arrested Bolo over alleged ties to bandits.
Onyeuko said the Civilian JTF boss was captured by troops after a notorious bandit was arrested on December 3, 2021, at Paka community in Igabi Local Government Area of the State.
The military spokesman said that the notorious bandit confessed to troops that the head of vigilantes in Rigasa had been aiding banditry in the area.
He 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 further disclosed that troops had held peace and security meetings with critical stakeholders as non-kinetic means of tackling insecurity.