The Zamfara state government has confirmed the arrest of an Army officer and his girlfriend for aiding banditry in the state.
The officer is accused of supplying arms, military uniforms, food and other items to the bandits.
Authorities in the state say the arrest further confirms the position of the state Governor Bello Matawalle, that until the security structure in the state is reviewed, banditry and kidnapping will continue to strive.
The government is worried that some security operatives deployed to protect the the lives and properties of residents are now aiding banditry which is worsening the situation.
The state government further confirms that vehicles loaded with grains were burnt, while nursing mothers and children were abducted in Maru Local Government area of the state.
The incident occurred in Tungar Baushe Community.
The Zamfara state government further clears the air on stories making the round about the abduction of sixty persons in Maru local government area of the state.
It confirms the incident, but say the figure quoted was false.
The governor Bello Matawalle represented by Bashir Maru commiserates with journalists in the state over the fire incident that has affected some shops that are part of the Council Secretariate.