By Attah Ede
The Katsina State Government, on Wednesday, revealed that 30 armed bandits and six security operatives died during a fierce gun battle between joint security forces and armed bandits in the state.
The Katsina State Commissioner for ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mua’zu who disclosed this on Wednesday, said the incidence occurred following coordinated attacks on three villages in Faskari local government area by the bandits.
He said that the armed bandits first invaded Kadisau, Raudama, and Sabon Layi communities.
“A combined team of Police Mobile Force operatives, Nigerian Army personnel, and Nigerian Air Force units responded by engaging the bandits in a prolonged gun battle. Following rapid reinforcements and airstrikes, the bandits were successfully repelled.
“Consequently, 30 bandits were killed in the encounter as they attempted to flee under heavy aerial bombardment. The operation also saw three police officers – Inspector Suleiman Ibrahim, Inspector Bello Bala, and Corporal Mohammed Lawal losing their lives.
“In the same encounter, two soldiers lost their lives during the battle in Sabon Layi, while a civilian, Aliyu Sa’adu from Kadisau, also died. Another soldier, Ya’u Aliyu, was injured in the fight and currently receiving medical attention”, Mua’zu.
The commissioner who spoke in a statement, sympathized with the families of the fallen heroes and pledged full government support for them.
He assured residents that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration remains resolute in its mission to eradicate banditry from Katsina State.
“Our security operations are being intensified in collaboration with federal agencies. We will not rest until peace is fully restored,” Mua’zu stated.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and continue sharing timely intelligence with security agencies as investigations into the attacks continue.
