The two abducted Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officials have regained freedom after four days in captivity.
Capt Kayode Owolabi, the spokesman of the 17th Brigade, Nigerian Army based in Katsina, made this known on Sunday, January 12.
Captain Owolabi said: “The bandits after testing the might of the Nigerian military have unconditionally released the two Customs officers to HQ 17 Bde in the morning hours of today Sunday, 12 January, 2020”.
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“Some armed bandit leaders who have sent messages through emissaries to the Acting General Officer Commanding, 8 Division Nigerian Army who oversees operations in Katsina and Zamfara states, have indicated readiness to embrace the peace without any conditions attached.
“The military will continue to remain resolute to ensure complete disarming of bandits before considering the peace deal as earlier announced by the various governments in the North West.”
Meanwhile, troops of the Operation Sharan Daji have continued with what the Commander calls ”Mop Up Ops” in order to clear all areas of bandit camps to ensure the release of all host hostages.
Earlier, The Herald reported that the Nigeria Customs Service inaugurated Area Command in Kebbi, according to its Public Relations Officer, Nasiru Manga.
Manga, who said this in a statement in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, said the creation of the Area Command was to boost administrative, convenience, efficiency and revenue generation of the Service, adding that the move was also in line with the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col., Hameed Ali.
The public relations officer further said that the Area Command would enhance service delivery and effective land border management, adding that it was part of the current administration’s policy thrust of reforming, restructuring and improving the system.