Troops kill two ‘notorious bandit leaders’ in Katsina

Troops of operation Fansan Yanma have killed two “notorious bandit leaders” identified as Yusuf Gwamna and Malam Ashiru in Dutsin-Ma LGA of Katsina state.

Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that the operation, carried out late Friday night, was led by a joint security task force comprising the military, police, and other security agencies.

Makama added that acting on intelligence, the forces ambushed the bandits at a key location, engaging them in a gunfight that left several suspected terrorists dead.

A security source quoted in the report said  Gwamna and Ashiru were behind multiple deadly attacks in Dutsin-Ma, Danmusa, and Matazu LGAs.

“This operation is a major breakthrough in our efforts annihilate bandits  operating in Katsina state,” the source said. 

“These bandits had been on our watchlist for a long time, and their elimination will significantly degrade their group’s operational capacity.”

The duo were reportedly responsible for kidnappings, cattle rustling, and armed robberies that had terrorised communities in the region.

Makama said security forces are continuing clearance operations in the area, tracking down fleeing bandits and working to secure local communities.