Following the flag off of exercise EGWU EKE III (Python Dance) by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai in 1 Battalion, Birnin Kebbi,  Kebbi State on the 8 of January 2019.

The exercise which simultaneously became activated in the other North West geopolitical zone with the deployment of troops in all Divisional Areas of Operation for internal security has started yielding dividends.

 Troops of 8 Division, Nigerian Army in Sokoto on the 9 January 2019 at about 6.30pm, while on routine patrol for the safety and serenity of the metropolitan ran into a group of hoodlums causing mayhem, extorting and threatening the lives of innocent citizens along Sokoto – Gusau road.

In a related development, another group of miscreants and thugs along Kalambaina area in Sokoto town blocked and assaulted the military convoy of the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Nigerian Army, throwing stones and harassing passersby.  This led to  (7) of them apprehended and were being profiled.

The suspects are:

    a.   Auwalu Shehu, 32 years – Carpenter.

     b.   Muritala Garba, 41 years, Driver.

    c.   Jamilu Bello, 30 years, Trader.

    d.  Abubakar Aliyu, 29 years, Trader.

     e.   Musa Abubakar, 32 years,  Bricklayer.

      f.   Zayyanu Aliyu, 28 years, Iron Bender, and,

    g.  Bashir Sarkinpawa, 27 years, Cow Butcher.

    Items recovered from them include Five Machetes, Two Knives,  Two Catapults,  Two long Sticks (Gora), One Tyre ream, Three bottles of Codeine and, sizeable numbers of stones.

 A preliminary investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be handed over to the appropriate authority for prosecution on completion. The Nigerian Army, however, advised members of the public to cooperate with the security agencies by reporting any suspicious persons and activities.