Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria — Troops of the Nigerian Army, the land warfare branch of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, have killed at least 45 armed bandits during a fierce gun battle in Katsina State in northwestern Nigeria. However, the military operation also resulted in the deaths of a captain and two other soldiers.
Okay News reports that the deadly confrontation took place in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, a region that has experienced repeated attacks by heavily armed criminal groups locally referred to as bandits. These groups are known for cattle rustling, kidnappings, and violent raids on rural communities across northwestern Nigeria.
The incident was confirmed in a statement released in Katsina by Nasir Mua’zu, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs for Katsina State. According to the statement, the operation was launched after security forces received credible intelligence about the activities of the armed group.
The statement explained that among those killed in the confrontation were key members of the criminal network. One of them, identified as Alti, was described as the nephew and second-in-command to the notorious bandit leader Adamu Alieru, a figure widely linked to violent attacks in the region. Another senior bandit known as Damale was also killed during the operation.
Security officials said the series of events leading to the confrontation began earlier in the week. On Wednesday, March 5, 2026, a group of bandits from neighbouring Zamfara State, another northwestern Nigerian state frequently affected by armed criminal activity, invaded Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The attackers reportedly arrived on motorcycles and were armed with sophisticated weapons. Their target was livestock belonging to residents, a crime commonly referred to in the region as cattle rustling.
However, the raid did not go as planned. According to the state government, local residents and a group of repentant bandits who had previously surrendered their weapons resisted the attack. During that confrontation, four of the invading bandits were killed, while all the cattle that had been taken were recovered and returned to their owners.
Authorities said the armed group later returned in larger numbers the following day, seeking revenge for the earlier losses. On Thursday, March 6, 2026, the bandits moved toward Musawa Local Government Area again but encountered soldiers stationed at the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali, near Maidabino A ward.
What followed was described as an intense gun battle between the soldiers and the attackers.
“The operation, which took place yesterday, resulted from credible intelligence gathered by security personnel,” the statement said.
“Among those killed was Alti, the nephew and second-in-command to the notorious bandit leader, Adamu Alieru. Also eliminated was another top bandit known as Damale.
“The clash began when bandits from Zamfara State, armed with sophisticated weapons and riding on motorcycles, attacked Alhazawa village in Musawa LGA on March 5. They came to steal cattle.
“However, community members and repentant bandits from the area fought back. Four bandits were killed, and all the rustled cows were recovered and returned to their owners.
“Seeking revenge, the bandits returned in large numbers on March 6. They ran into soldiers attached to the Army’s Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali while heading towards Musawa LGA near Maidabino A ward.
“What followed was an intense and fierce battle. 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.
“On behalf of the State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, the government and the people of Katsina, I commend the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers. Their actions have saved countless lives and disrupted the operations of these dangerous criminals.
“We also extend condolences to the families of the deceased military personnel.
“Our security forces remain alert and will continue to pursue these criminals wherever they go. We will not rest until peace is fully restored to every corner of Katsina State.”
Katsina State, which shares a border with the Republic of Niger, has for several years faced repeated attacks from armed groups operating across the northwestern region of Nigeria. Security operations involving the Nigerian Army and other security agencies continue in an effort to reduce the violence and restore stability to rural communities.
Authorities say investigations and military patrols are ongoing following the latest confrontation.
