Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed no fewer than 45 bandits during a fierce gun battle in Katsina State, although the military lost a captain and two soldiers in the operation.
The clash occurred on Friday in Danmusa Local Government Area, an area that has been heavily affected by banditry in recent years.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua’zu, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Katsina.
According to the statement, the successful operation followed credible intelligence gathered by security personnel on the activities of bandits in the area.
The commissioner revealed that among those killed during the encounter was Alti, the nephew and second-in-command to a notorious bandit leader, Adamu Alieru. Another high-profile bandit identified as Damale was also reportedly eliminated in the confrontation.
The statement explained that the chain of events began when heavily armed bandits from Zamfara State, riding on motorcycles and carrying sophisticated weapons, attacked Alhazawa Village in Musawa Local Government Area on March 5.
The attackers had reportedly stormed the community with the intention of rustling cattle belonging to local residents.
However, the situation took a different turn when members of the community, supported by some repentant bandits from the area, resisted the attackers.
During the confrontation, four of the bandits were killed, while all the rustled cattle were successfully recovered and returned to their rightful owners.
Security authorities said the subsequent military operation led to the larger confrontation in which dozens of the criminals were neutralised.
Despite the heavy losses inflicted on the bandits, the authorities expressed regret over the death of the army captain and two soldiers who lost their lives while confronting the criminals.
Officials reiterated that security forces remain committed to intensifying operations across Katsina State and neighbouring states to dismantle bandit networks and restore peace to affected communities
