Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed 45 suspected bandits during a fierce gun battle in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to intelligence reports quoted by a security analyst, Zagagola Magama, on Saturday, the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the movement of armed bandits believed to be operating across communities in Katsina and neighbouring Zamfara State.
Among those reportedly killed during the attack were two key bandit leaders identified as Kachallah Alti, said to be a nephew and deputy to notorious bandit kingpin Adamu Alieru, and another commander known as Damale.
First Daily correspondent gathered that the confrontation followed an earlier attack on March 5, when heavily armed bandits riding motorcycles invaded Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area and rustled cattle belonging to residents.
However, members of the community, supported by some repentant bandits in the area, reportedly resisted the attackers.
During the attack, four of the bandits were killed and the stolen cattle were recovered and returned to their owners.
The bandits were said to have regrouped the following day, March 6, and mobilised in larger numbers, allegedly planning a reprisal attack on the community.
Security sources said while advancing toward Musawa through Maidabino A Ward, the armed group encountered troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali within Danmusa LGA.
A fierce gun battle ensued as troops engaged the bandits and eventually overpowered them, killing 45 during the encounter.
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Despite the success of the operation, the military also recorded casualties, with three soldiers losing their lives during the clash.
Further intelligence indicated that Alti had recently taken on a more active leadership role within the bandit network after the death of his brother, Kachalla Dan Isihu, who was earlier killed by security forces during previous counter-banditry operations.
Alti was believed to have coordinated several violent attacks across communities, particularly along the Danjibga axis in the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said troops have intensified operations in the area to track down fleeing bandits and dismantle their criminal networks across the region.