Troops Kill 45 Bandits in Katsina, Top Commander Alti Among Those Neutralised

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed 45 suspected bandits during a major security operation in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security sources said the operation was launched after credible intelligence revealed the movement of armed bandits operating in parts of Katsina and neighbouring Zamfara State.

Among those killed were two senior bandit commanders, including Alti—also known as Kachallah Alti—believed to be a nephew and second-in-command to notorious bandit leader Adamu Alieru. Another commander identified as Damale was also reportedly neutralised during the encounter.

The confrontation followed an earlier attack on Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area on March 5, when armed bandits riding motorcycles invaded the community and rustled cattle belonging to residents.

Local residents, assisted by some repentant bandits, reportedly resisted the attackers, killing four of them and recovering the stolen livestock, which was later returned to their owners.

Sources said the attackers later regrouped and returned the following day, March 6, allegedly preparing for a retaliatory assault on the community.

However, while advancing toward Musawa through Maidabino A Ward, the bandits encountered troops stationed at a Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali, Danmusa LGA.

A fierce gun battle followed, during which the soldiers overpowered the armed group and neutralised 45 of the attackers.

The military operation, however, also recorded casualties, with three soldiers losing their lives in the clash.

Security sources further revealed that Alti had recently taken on a more prominent operational role within the bandit network after the death of his brother, Kachalla Dan Isihu, who was previously killed during counter-banditry operations.

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

Troops have since intensified operations in the area to track down fleeing bandits and dismantle the remaining elements of the criminal network.