Hours after security agencies renewed their commitment to stronger collaboration against insecurity in Katsina State, troops of the Nigerian Army engaged bandits in a fierce gun battle that left 45 terrorists dead, although a captain and two soldiers were killed in the operation.
Earlier yesterday, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Army’s 17 Brigade reaffirmed their partnership in tackling insecurity in the state during a courtesy visit at the corps’ command headquarters in Katsina.
Speaking during the visit, Brigade Commander Brigadier General Ishaya Ibrahim highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two security organisations, describing their cooperation as vital to addressing security challenges in the state.
“The NSCDC and the Nigerian Army share a long history of partnership, and this relationship will be further strengthened during my tenure as the brigade commander,” Ibrahim said.
Abbas Moriki, the NSCDC’s Katsina State Commandant, welcomed the new brigade commander and commended the army for its unwavering efforts to fight terrorism and other crimes.
“The NSCDC will continue to collaborate and work closely with the Nigerian Army and other relevant stakeholders to ensure safety and security for citizens of the state,” Moriki stated.
However, later on Friday, ENigeria Newspaper gathered that troops attached to the army’s Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali clashed with armed bandits in Danmusa Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua’zu, the operation followed credible intelligence gathered by security personnel.
The statement said the attackers, who rode into Alhazawa village from neighbouring Zamfara State on March 5, had initially attempted to rustle cattle.
Community members and repentant bandits in the area resisted the attack, killing four of the assailants and recovering all the rustled cattle.
The bandits later returned in large numbers on March 6 seeking revenge, but encountered soldiers while heading toward Musawa Local Government Area near Maidabino A ward.
“What followed was an intense and fierce battle. The Army successfully neutralised all 45 bandits,” the statement said.
Among those killed were Alti, the nephew and second-in-command to notorious bandit leader Adamu Alieru, as well as another top bandit known as Damale.
Despite the success of the operation, the military lost Captain Paul Hassan and two other soldiers during the gun battle.
The state government commended the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers, noting that their actions saved many lives and disrupted the operations of criminal groups in the area.
“On behalf of the state governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, the government and the people of Katsina, we commend the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers,” the statement said.
The government also extended condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and assured residents that security forces would continue to pursue criminal elements across the state until peace is fully restored.
