Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed at least 45 suspected bandits during a fierce gun battle in Danmusa LGA of Katsina state, although three soldiers also lost their lives during the operation.
Gatekeepers News reports that the clash happened on March 6 when armed bandits moving towards communities in the area encountered soldiers stationed at the Army’s forward operating base in Dan Ali.
According to security reports, the confrontation followed an earlier attack by the gunmen on Alhazawa village in Musawa LGA, where they had attempted to rustle cattle belonging to residents.
Residents of the village, assisted by some repentant bandits living in the area, reportedly resisted the attackers during the first assault. In the process, four of the bandits were killed while the stolen cattle were recovered and returned to their owners.
After the failed raid, the armed group was said to have regrouped and returned the following day in what appeared to be a revenge mission. While advancing towards Musawa through Maidabino A ward, the gunmen ran into soldiers attached to the military base in Dan Ali, which led to a prolonged exchange of gunfire.
Security sources said the troops eventually overpowered the attackers and killed 45 of them during the intense battle. However, the military also suffered casualties, including an army captain identified as Paul Hassan and two other soldiers who died during the encounter.
Among those killed were two prominent bandit commanders identified as Alti and Damale. Alti was believed to be a nephew and second-in-command to the notorious bandit leader Adamu Alieru, a figure long linked to several violent attacks across communities in Katsina and neighbouring Zamfara state.
Security reports indicated that Alti had recently become more active within the network following the death of his brother, Kachalla Dan Isihu, who had earlier been killed during military operations targeting bandit groups in the region. The bandit commander was also said to have coordinated several attacks along the Danjibga axis in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara state before his death.
Authorities in Katsina state praised the bravery of the soldiers involved in the operation and extended condolences to the families of the slain troops. They also assured residents that security forces would continue operations against armed groups responsible for attacks, cattle rustling, and kidnappings across the state.
