The Nigerian Army has neutralised 45 bandits, including a top lieutenant to notorious bandit leader Adamu Alieru, during a fierce encounter in Danmusa Local Government Area.
The operation followed credible intelligence and was carried out by troops attached to the Army’s Forward Operating Base in Dan-Ali, according to the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.
Among those killed during the operation was Alti, identified as the nephew and second-in-command to Alieru. Another senior bandit known as Damale was also reportedly eliminated.
The confrontation followed an earlier attack on Alhazawa village on March 5, when bandits from Zamfara State, armed with sophisticated weapons and riding motorcycles, reportedly invaded the community to rustle cattle.
However, members of the community watch corps and some repentant bandits in the area resisted the attack, killing four of the assailants and recovering all the stolen cattle, which were later returned to their owners.
According to the ministry, the bandits later mobilised in large numbers the following day in what was believed to be a revenge mission. While moving towards Musawa through Maidabino A ward in Danmusa, they reportedly encountered soldiers stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Dan-Ali.
An intense gun battle ensued, during which troops successfully neutralised 45 bandits.
The operation, however, resulted in casualties on the side of the military, as Captain Paul Hassan and two other soldiers were killed in the encounter.
Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu
In a statement, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, commended the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers, describing their actions as instrumental in saving lives and disrupting the activities of criminal groups operating in the area.
He conveyed the condolences of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, the state government and the people of Katsina to the families of the fallen soldiers.
Mu’azu added that security forces remain vigilant and will continue to pursue criminal elements until peace is fully restored across the state.
