including a senior commander linked to notorious bandit leader Adamu Alieru, during a major operation in Katsina State.
The development was disclosed in a post shared on X on Saturday by security analyst Zagazola Makama.
According to the report, the gun battle happened in Danmusa Local Government Area after troops received credible intelligence about the movement of bandits operating across parts of Katsina and neighbouring Zamfara State.
Among those killed during the encounter was a bandit leader identified as Alti, also known as Kachallah Alti, who was reportedly a nephew and second-in-command to Adamu Alieru. Another commander known as Damale was also said to have been killed.
The report explained that the clash followed an earlier attack by bandits on Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area on March 5, where they rustled cattle belonging to residents.
However, the villagers, with the help of some repentant bandits, reportedly fought back, killing four of the attackers and recovering the stolen cattle, which were later returned to their owners.
The bandits were said to have regrouped and returned the following day, Friday, allegedly planning a reprisal attack on the community.
While moving toward Musawa through Maidabino A Ward, the armed men reportedly ran into troops stationed at a Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali area of Danmusa LGA.
“This led to a fierce exchange of gunfire between the troops and the bandits, during which the soldiers overpowered the criminals and killed 45 of them,” Makama wrote.
However, the operation also recorded casualties on the side of the military, as three soldiers were reportedly killed during the confrontation.
Further findings indicated that Alti had recently taken on a more active role in the bandit network after the death of his brother, Kachalla Dan Isihu, who was earlier killed by security forces during previous counter-banditry operations.
Alti was also believed to have coordinated several attacks on communities, particularly along the Danjibga axis in Tsafe Local Government Area.
“Security sources said troops have now intensified operations in the area to track down fleeing bandits and dismantle their remaining networks,” he wrote.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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