Writing by Ismail Adamu;Editing by Abubakar Hamza.
Nigerian Army has neutralised 45 bandits in a fierce gun battle in the Danmusa axis the Rugu forest, a major hideout of bandits that operate in Katsina and Zamfara States.
Notable among those killed was notorious bandit kingpin, Damale, and Alti, a nephew and second-in-command to another bandit leader, Adamu Alieru.
A statement signed by the Katsina State Commissioner of Security and Internal Affairs, Dr. Mu’azu Danmusa, disclosed that the operation followed credible intelligence gathered by security personnel, of an attack that was being planned by bandits on a community in the area that had foiled a cattle rustling operation in their village.
“The clash began when bandits from Zamfara State, armed with sophisticated weapons, riding on motorcycles, attacked Alhazawa village in Musawa LGA on March 5, with the intent to steal cattle. However, community members and repentant bandits from the area fought back leading to the killing of four bandits and recovery of the rustled cows.
“Seeking revenge, the bandits returned in large numbers the following day but ran into soldiers attached to the Army’s Forward Operation Base in Dan-Ali village while heading towards Musawa.
The statement explains that the troops rounded off the bandits and neutralized all 45 members of the gang.
While commending the military command for its gallantry, Danmusa urged residents of security flashpoints in the state to continue to provide credible intelligence to troops deployed to secure their communities.
Rel/Isma’il Adamu.
