45 Bandits Killed, Three Soldiers Dead in Katsina Gun Battle

By Paul Joseph

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised 45 suspected bandits during a fierce gun battle in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State. However, the operation came at a heavy cost as an Army captain and two soldiers were killed in the encounter.

The clash occurred on March 6, 2026, when troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Dan Ali intercepted heavily armed bandits who were advancing toward Musawa Local Government Area.

Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.

According to Mua’zu, the bandits had earlier attacked Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area on March 5 in an attempt to rustle cattle. Local residents, supported by some repentant bandits in the area, resisted the attack, killing four of the assailants and recovering the stolen cattle.

The attackers reportedly regrouped and returned the following day in larger numbers in what authorities believe was a revenge mission.

However, while moving through Maidabino ‘A’ Ward toward Musawa, the bandits encountered Nigerian Army troops positioned at the Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali.

“What followed was an intense and fierce battle,” Mua’zu said. “The Army successfully neutralised all 45 bandits. However, the victory came at a cost. Captain Paul Hassan and two other soldiers lost their lives in the encounter.”

Among those killed were Alti, a nephew and second-in-command to notorious bandit leader Adamu Alieru, as well as another senior bandit identified as Damale.

The commissioner praised the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers involved in the operation, describing their actions as heroic.

He said their efforts saved many lives and dealt a major blow to criminal networks operating in the area.

Mua’zu also extended the Katsina State Government’s condolences to the families of the fallen military personnel, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice in the fight against banditry.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting security forces and vowed that operations against armed groups responsible for violence in the state would continue until lasting peace is restored.