In a ferocious gunfight in Katsina State’s Danmusa Local Government Area, Nigerian Army troops killed at least 45 robbers, but they also lost a captain and two other soldiers.
Following an operation based on reliable intelligence, the incident happened on Friday.
Nasir Mua’zu, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, revealed the development in a statement on Saturday.
The conflict came after Zamfara State robbers raided Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area on March 5 in order to rustle cattle, according to the statement.
The conflict started on March 5 when bandits from Zamfara State assaulted Alhazawa village in Musawa LGA while riding motorcycles and carrying advanced weapons. According to the statement, they came to steal cattle.
However, it is said that some repentant bandits and people of the community opposed the assailants.
“Repentant bandits from the area and members of the community fought back.” All of the stolen cows were found and given back to their owners, and four robbers were slain, Mua’zu continued.
The next day, the bandits reportedly made a massive comeback to exact revenge. They reportedly came upon soldiers from the Army’s Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali while traveling through Maidabino A ward on their way to Musawa LGA.
“The combat that ensued was tough and intense. According to the statement, “The Army successfully neutralized all 45 bandits.”
Two infamous bandit characters were among those slain: Damale, a prominent robber, and Alti, the nephew and second-in-command of bandit chief Adamu Alieru.
Even though the mission was successful, there were soldier casualties.
But there was a price for the triumph. The encounter claimed the lives of Captain Paul Hassan and two other soldiers, the statement continued.
The soldiers’ gallantry throughout the operation was praised by the Katsina State Government.
“I applaud the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers on behalf of the State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, the government, and the people of Katsina.” According to Mua’zu, “their actions have disrupted the operations of these dangerous criminals and saved countless lives.”
Along with offering his condolences to the families of the slain troops, he reassured them that the state’s security forces would keep going after criminal groups.
“No matter where these criminals go, our security forces will keep an eye on them and pursue them.” He continued, “Until peace is completely restored to every corner of Katsina State, we will not rest.”
