Troops of the Nigerian Army have reportedly killed 45 suspected bandits during a major operation in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to Zagazola, the operation was launched after intelligence reports revealed the movement of armed bandits operating around Katsina and nearby Zamfara State.
Among those killed were two prominent bandit commanders — Alti, described as a nephew and deputy to the notorious bandit leader Adamu Alieru, and another commander identified as Damale.
The clash followed an earlier attack on Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area on March 5, when gunmen riding motorcycles stormed the community and rustled cattle belonging to residents. Local residents, supported by some repentant bandits in the area, resisted the attackers, killing four of them and recovering the stolen cattle, which were later returned to their owners.
Sources said the armed group later regrouped and returned in greater numbers on March 6, allegedly planning a retaliatory assault.
While advancing toward Musawa through Maidabino A Ward, the bandits encountered soldiers stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali, Danmusa Local Government Area. The encounter triggered an intense gun battle, during which troops overpowered the attackers and killed 45 of them.
The military also suffered losses in the clash, with three soldiers confirmed dead.
Further intelligence indicated that Alti had recently taken on a more prominent role in the bandit network following the killing of his brother, Kachalla Dan Isihu, who had earlier been eliminated during security operations.
Alti was believed to have coordinated several violent raids on communities, particularly along the Danjibga axis in Tsafe Local Government Area.
Security sources added that troops have since intensified operations in the region to pursue fleeing fighters and dismantle the remaining elements of the bandit network.See_More…