10 bandits have been killed by troops of Operation Sahel Sanity.
This sad development happened as a result of gun battle which ensued between them in Faskari and Jibiya local government areas of Katsina state.
Acting Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko said the incident occurred on January 10 at Sabon Layi, Unguwar Rimi and Bugaje communities of the state.
The gun battle which forced the bandits to withdraw in disarray into the forest, also led to the death of one soldier.
Onyeuko said;
“During the exploitation phase of the operation, five bodies of neutralized bandits were found while several others were suspected to escape with gunshot wounds as indicated by bloodstains on their escape route.
“Regrettably, one brave soldier paid the supreme price while 2 others sustained minor injuries during the encounter.
“Consequently, on 2 January 2021, based on credible human intelligence about the movement of armed bandits sighted crossing Garin Inu in Batsari LGA heading towards Bugaje in Jibiya LGA both in Katsina State, troops deployed at Batsari swiftly mobilized and laid ambush along the bandit’s route at Garin Garus.
“While at the ambush position, the gallant troops made contact with the marauding armed bandits and engaged them with overwhelming fire power thereby neutralizing 5 bandits while others escaped with varying degrees of injuries as indicated by traces of blood along their escape routes.”
Troops deployed at Dan Ali village also arrested a suspected bandits’ collaborator named Ya’u Tukur at Sabon Gida village in Kankara LGA of Katsina State.
Onyeuko said the soldiers effected the arrest after reliable sources revealed that the suspect has “been masterminding nefarious crimes including kidnapping for ransom in various places. Troops are on the trail of other members of the notorious gang.”