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 incident was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua’zu.
According to the statement, the confrontation followed credible intelligence gathered by security personnel about the activities of armed bandits operating in the area.
“The operation, which took place yesterday, resulted from credible intelligence gathered by security personnel,” Mua’zu said.
He revealed that among those killed during the operation were high-profile members of a notorious bandit group operating 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,” the commissioner said.
The statement explained that the violence began on March 5 when bandits from Zamfara State invaded Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area to rustle cattle.
“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.
According to the commissioner, local residents and some repentant bandits in the community resisted the attack.
“However, 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,” the statement added.
Angered by the resistance, the bandits reportedly regrouped and returned the following day in larger numbers.
“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,” Mua’zu said.
The encounter, he said, quickly escalated into a prolonged and intense 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 of the operation, he noted that the military suffered casualties during the exchange of fire.
“However, the victory came at a cost. Captain Paul Hassan and two other soldiers lost their lives in the encounter,” he said.
Mua’zu, speaking on behalf of the state governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, praised the courage of the soldiers and expressed condolences to the families of the fallen personnel.
“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.”
The commissioner assured residents that security agencies would continue to intensify efforts to track down criminal elements operating within 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.
