By Katsina Times
The Nigerian Army has neutralised no fewer than 45 bandits during a fierce gun battle in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, on Saturday.
According to the statement, the successful operation followed credible intelligence gathered by security personnel on the movement of armed bandits operating in the area.
Among those killed was Alti, identified as the nephew and second-in-command to the notorious bandit kingpin Adamu Alieru. Another prominent bandit known as Damale was also neutralised during the operation.
The incident was linked to an earlier attack on March 5, when heavily armed bandits from neighbouring Zamfara State invaded Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area to rustle cattle.
However, residents of the community, with support from some repentant bandits in the area, resisted the attackers, killing four of them while successfully recovering all the rustled cattle and returning them to their rightful owners.
Security sources said the bandits later regrouped and returned in large numbers on March 6 in what appeared to be a revenge attack.
While advancing towards Musawa through Maidabino ‘A’ Ward, the armed bandits encountered troops of the Nigerian Army stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Dan Ali.
A fierce gun battle ensued between the troops and the bandits, during which the soldiers overpowered the criminals and neutralised 45 of them.
Despite the success recorded by the troops, the military suffered casualties during the operation.
A senior officer, Captain Paul Hassan, and two other soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
Reacting to the development, Dr. Mu’azu, on behalf of the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, commended the bravery, gallantry and sacrifice of the Nigerian Army personnel involved in the operation.
He said their courage and commitment helped save many innocent lives and disrupted the operations of criminal elements terrorising communities in the state.
The commissioner also extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifice as a great service to the nation.
He assured residents that security agencies remain vigilant and will continue to intensify operations against bandits and other criminal elements until peace is fully restored across Katsina State.
