At least twelve armed bandits were neutralised in a coordinated security operation in Katsina State, following an early morning attack on Rahamawa Village in the Kuraye District of Charanchi Local Government Area.
The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mua’zu, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to him, the operation was triggered by a distress call from Rahamawa community, where suspected bandits had launched a violent raid at about 5:40 a.m.
During the attack, the assailants reportedly inflicted injuries on a 60-year-old resident, Alhaji Danmalam, and succeeded in rustling 22 cattle belonging to members of the community.
Acting promptly on intelligence, a combined team comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, and local vigilante groups pursued the fleeing criminals. The joint security team tracked them to Dutsen Falale, a location within the Kurfi-Safana axis known for criminal hideouts.
A fierce gunfight ensued between the security operatives and the suspected bandits at the location, resulting in the death of twelve of the attackers. During the confrontation, the team also recovered five AK-47 rifles, several rounds of live ammunition, and successfully retrieved all the 22 rustled cattle.
While commending the gallantry and prompt response of the security personnel, Dr. Mua’zu expressed regret over the loss of one vigilante member, also identified as Alhaji Danmalam, who succumbed to injuries sustained during the encounter. He died at the Primary Health Care Centre in Charanchi, where he was receiving treatment.
In addition, one soldier who sustained injuries during the gun battle is currently undergoing treatment, the commissioner revealed.
“On behalf of His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, and the good people of Katsina State, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the fallen hero and pray for Allah’s mercy and eternal rest for his soul,” Dr. Mua’zu stated.
He further reassured residents of the state government’s steadfast commitment to the protection of lives and property, emphasizing that efforts to eradicate banditry and other forms of criminality would remain relentless.
Dr. Mua’zu also disclosed that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend fleeing members of the bandit group, as well as to dismantle any remaining criminal camps in the region. He called on citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to enhance their operations.