Katsina govt commends military for neutralizing bandits

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina

Katsina state government has commended the Nigerian Air Force significant victories against criminal elements terrorizing communities in the state through precision airstrikes that destroyed notorious bandit hideouts and neutralized several armed criminals.

Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said the Air Component Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 2, executed successful strikes against identified bandit enclaves at Sanusi Dutsinma and Sanusi Iku within the Matallawa Hills in Kankara Local Government Area.

According to him, these operations, based on credible intelligence gathered through human and electronic sources, completely obliterated the criminal camps. Several bandits died in the strikes, while six injured criminals fled away.

The Air Component responded swiftly to a distress call from Kankara LGA after bandits ambushed Nigerian Police personnel conducting clearance operations behind Science Secondary School, Kankara.

The criminals, led by notorious kingpin Babaru, attacked a Police Armoured Personnel Carrier, killing one police inspector and injuring another officer.

Nigerian Air Force fighter jets immediately deployed to the area, successfully neutralized the bandits operating on motorcycles.

Additional strikes targeted criminals attempting to escape by hiding within rustled cattle herds and dense riverside vegetation, significantly disrupting their movement and operations.

Muazu said, “the Katsina state government remains resolute and committed to restoring peace and security through enhanced collaboration with all security agencies operating in our state.

“These successful operations resulted from credible intelligence provided by local communities.

“We urge all peace-loving citizens of Katsina State to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that enables such decisive action against criminal elements.

“The sustained military pressure represents part of ongoing efforts to eliminate bandit networks operating across the North-West region and restore safety to affected communities.

“The Government and the people of Katsina State commiserated with the family of fallen police officer and pray to God to accept his return.”