By Salim Yunusa
The Nigerian Army yesterday alerted residents of Kogi, Kwara and Niger states to be vigilant and report movements of bandits to security agents.
The warning came as the army said the bandits had begun fleeing their haven in the North-west following offensives launched by security forces on their locations.
The alert followed the arrest of a fleeing bandit by troops operating along Mokwa-Jebba road, during a stop-and-search operation along the road on Sunday.
The army, in a statement said the arrest was effected about 9:00pm, when the troops intercepted a car travelling from Zuru in Kebbi State to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The statement, issued by Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the heat on the bandits and other criminals in Niger State and the contiguous states had caused them to flee.
The statement said: “The heat on bandits and other criminal elements in Niger State has caused them to start fleeing to supposed safe havens.
“Members of the public, particularly around Niger and contiguous states, are, therefore enjoined to be vigilant and report any suspected movement of fleeing bandits to security agencies.”
