Troops Kill 45 Bandits in Katsina Gun Battle, Three Soldiers Dead

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed 45 bandits during a fierce gun battle in Danmusa Local Government Area.

The encounter occurred on Friday when armed bandits attempting a reprisal attack clashed with soldiers stationed at a forward operating base in the area.

Confirming the development in a statement on Saturday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in Katsina State, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, said three soldiers lost their lives during the operation.

According to him, the violence began earlier when bandits attacked Alhazawa Village on Thursday, rustling cattle belonging to local residents.

However, members of the community, supported by some repentant bandits in the area, resisted the attackers, killing four of them and recovering the stolen cattle.

The criminals were said to have regrouped and returned on March 6 to launch a retaliatory assault. But upon reaching Dan Ali in Danmusa LGA, they encountered Nigerian Army troops and a heavy gun battle ensued.

Mua’zu said the military dealt a significant blow to the bandits during the clash, eliminating several of them, including Alti, identified as the nephew and second-in-command to notorious bandit leader Adamu Alieru. Another senior bandit known as Damale was also reportedly killed in the operation.

Previous Military Operations

The state government also highlighted previous security successes in the fight against banditry.

In August 2025, troops of the Nigerian Army killed seven armed bandits and recovered four motorcycles during a security operation in Baba after receiving intelligence about the movement of criminal groups targeting farming communities.

Additionally, the Nigerian Air Force conducted a precision airstrike in the same month targeting the stronghold of notorious bandit leader Babaro at Pauwa Hill.

The operation reportedly led to the rescue of 76 kidnapped victims, including women and children, who had been held captive by the gang following an earlier attack on the Gidan Mantau Community.

Authorities say the ongoing military operations are part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for terrorising communities across the state.