Troops kill ‘12 bandits’ in Katsina

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have reportedly killed 12 bandits in Maigora village, Faskari LGA of Katsina state.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the troops were conducting a fighting patrol when the armed bandits invaded the village. 

The publication quoted intelligence sources as saying that the bandits were neutralised on Friday when they attacked the village around 12:30 p.m. 

Makama said the troops in the vicinity swiftly responded and engaged the attackers in a firefight forcing them to withdraw into nearby bushes.

“In the initial encounter, troops neutralized five bandits and seized two motorcycles. During a follow-up operation, the fleeing bandits regrouped and launched a counterattack on the troops, who decisively repelled them and pursued them into the hills,” the publication said. 

“The security forces then engaged the retreating bandits with mortar fire, killing seven more and scattering the remaining fighters.

“Further exploitation of the area led to the capture of seven additional motorcycles belonging to the terrorists.

“Battle damaged assessments indicated that a key bandit leader, identified as Malum, sustained gunshot wounds during the engagement. 

Makama added that sources confirmed that at least 12 bandits were buried on Friday evening, including a senior commander known as Dogo neutralised during the operation.

Security operatives have maintained dominance in the area by Friday morning to prevent any further incursion by the bandits.