Katsina: Army kills 45 bandits in Danmusa clash

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

According to a counter-insurgency report by Zagazola Makama, a publication focused on security developments in the Lake Chad region, three soldiers also lost their lives during the operation.

Citing security sources, the report stated that the bandits had earlier attacked Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area on Thursday, rustling cattle belonging to residents.

Community members, supported by some repentant bandits in the area, were said to have resisted the attack, killing four of the assailants and successfully recovering the stolen livestock.

However, the attackers reportedly regrouped and returned on March 6 in an attempt to launch a reprisal attack.

According to the report, the gunmen later encountered troops stationed at a Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali, located in Danmusa LGA. A fierce gun battle ensued, during which the troops reportedly overpowered the attackers, killing 45 of them.

Among those killed were two prominent bandit leaders identified as Alti — described as a nephew and second-in-command to notorious bandit kingpin Adamu Alieru — and another commander known as Damale.

The report noted that Alti had recently assumed a more active leadership 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.

He was also said to have coordinated several violent attacks across communities, particularly along the Danjibga axis in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.