Troops kill four bandits, recover weapons in Katsina

Four suspected bandits have been killed by troops of Nigerian army’s operation Hadarin Daji in Katsina. 

The troops had engaged the bandits in a gun battle on Thursday in Marina village, Safana LGA of the state.

Contrary to reports that many soldiers were feared killed in the area, Mohammed Yerima, army’s spokesperson in a statement on Saturday said only one soldier lost his life in the battle.

“To set the record straight, troops of  Operation  HADARIN DAJI while conducting clearance operation against armed bandits and other criminal elements on 4 March 2021, engaged and successfully neutralized 4 armed bandits, captured arms and motorcycle during an encounter with the armed bandits in Marina village in Safana LGA of Katsina State,” the statement read.

“The unconfirmed number of armed men with unspecified number of rustled cattles were sighted and intercepted along Batsari-Runka road.

“However, in an attempt to escape from the troops onslaught, the bandits sporadically fired at troops direction but the gallant  troops  responded with superior firepower followed by a hot pursuit thereby forcing  the bandits to withdraw in  disarray.

“During  the encounter, 4 armed bandits were neutralized while others escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds. The troops also captured 2 AK-47 rifles and one motorcycle belonging to the bandits.

“Regrettably, one brave soldier paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter. Troops have dominated general area and are  trailing the escaping bandits.”

Yerima added that the troops have been commended for the success achieved.