Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised 45 suspected bandits, including a top commander known as Alti, during a fierce gun battle in Danmusa Local Government Area.
Security sources said the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the movement of armed bandits operating across parts of Katsina State and neighbouring Zamfara State.
Among those killed were two prominent bandit leaders — Alti, believed to be a nephew and second-in-command to notorious kingpin Adamu Alieru, and another commander identified as Damale.
According to the sources, the confrontation followed an attack by bandits on Alhazawa Village on March 5. The attackers, who were riding motorcycles and armed with sophisticated weapons, reportedly rustled cattle belonging to residents.
However, community members, alongside some repentant bandits, resisted the attack, killing four of the assailants and recovering the stolen cattle, which were later returned to their owners.
The bandits were said to have regrouped and returned in larger numbers on March 6 in what appeared to be a reprisal attempt.
While moving towards Musawa Local Government Area through Maidabino A Ward, the bandits reportedly ran into troops stationed at a Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali, triggering a fierce gun battle.
Troops eventually overpowered the criminals, killing 45 of them during the exchange.
However, the military also recorded casualties, with three soldiers losing their lives in the operation.
Further checks indicated that Alti had recently taken on a more active operational role within the bandit network following the death of his brother, Kachalla Dan Isihu, who had earlier been killed by security forces during counter-banditry operations.
Alti was believed to have coordinated several violent attacks across communities, particularly along the Danjibga axis in Tsafe Local Government Area.
Security sources said troops have since intensified operations in the area to track down fleeing bandits and dismantle the remaining criminal networks.
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