Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed no fewer than 45 suspected bandits during a fierce gun battle in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, although the operation claimed the lives of an army captain and two soldiers.
The development was disclosed on Saturday in a statement by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua’zu.
Mua’zu said the confrontation followed credible intelligence gathered by security personnel on the activities of armed bandits operating in the area.
“The operation, which took place yesterday, resulted from credible intelligence gathered by security personnel,” he said.
According to the commissioner, some of those killed during the operation were high-profile members of a notorious bandit group terrorising communities in the region.
“Among those killed was Alti, the nephew and second-in-command to the notorious bandit leader, Adamu Alieru. Also eliminated was another top bandit known as Damale,” he said.
“The clash began when bandits from Zamfara State, armed with sophisticated weapons and riding on motorcycles, attacked Alhazawa village in Musawa LGA on March 5. They came to steal cattle,” he said.
“Community members and repentant bandits from the area fought back. Four bandits were killed, and all the rustled cows were recovered and returned to their owners,” he said.
“Seeking revenge, the bandits returned in large numbers on March 6. They ran into soldiers attached to the Army’s Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali while heading towards Musawa LGA near Maidabino A ward,” he said.
The encounter soon escalated into a prolonged gun battle between the troops and the armed group.
“What followed was an intense and fierce battle. The Army successfully neutralised all 45 bandits,” the commissioner stated.
Despite the success recorded during the operation, the military suffered casualties.
“However, the victory came at a cost. Captain Paul Hassan and two other soldiers lost their lives in the encounter,” he said.
“On behalf of the State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, the government and the people of Katsina, I commend the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers. Their actions have saved countless lives and disrupted the operations of these dangerous criminals,” he said.
“We also extend condolences to the families of the deceased military personnel.”
He assured residents that security agencies would continue efforts to track down criminal elements operating across the state.
“Our security forces remain alert and will continue to pursue these criminals wherever they go. We will not rest until peace is fully restored to every corner of Katsina State,” he added.
