JOINT SECURITY OPERATIVES ELIMINATE BANDIT LEADER, 100 OTHERS IN KATSINA

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The Katsina State Government has announced a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping, following a joint military operation that eliminated notorious bandit leader Gwaska and over 100 others.

Security forces also raided and cleared multiple criminal hideouts across the state on Friday.

In a statement, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, said the coordinated offensive was carried out by the Nigerian Army’s 17th Brigade and the 213 Forward Operating Base of the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force. The operation targeted bandit enclaves in Mununu Bakai, Zango, Jeka Arera, Malali, and Ruwan Godiya in Kankara and Faskari LGAs.

Several weapons, including two machine guns and locally made shotguns, were seized and destroyed to prevent future use by criminals.

“It is expedient to state that this successful mission has significantly disrupted the criminal networks that have long terrorized communities across Faskari, Kankara, Bakori, Malumfashi, and Kafur,” he said.

He added that security forces also conducted another successful operation targeting bandit routes at Dutsen Wori by Dandume-Kandamba Road, located at the outskirts of Dandume town.

The operation, carried out around 3:45 a.m., led to the killing of six bandits, including their leader, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

Security forces also intercepted and seized seven motorcycles during the mission.

The bandits had been traced from their hideout at the Maigora/Doroyi camp in Faskari Local Government Area.

According to the report, no security personnel sustained injuries during the operation.