Troops Neutralise 45 Bandits Including Deputy to Adamu Alieru, Alti, in Katsina Operation

Security forces have reportedly eliminated 45 armed bandits, among them a high-ranking figure associated with the criminal network of notorious bandit leader Adamu Alieru, during a major military engagement in Katsina State.

The incident became public through a report shared on the social media platform X by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Saturday.

According to the information provided, the confrontation occurred within Danmusa Local Government Area after security personnel reportedly received actionable intelligence about the movement of armed bandits operating across communities in Katsina and neighbouring Zamfara State.

Bandit Leaders Killed During Military Engagement

Among the individuals killed during the operation was a notorious bandit commander identified as Alti, widely known as Kachallah Alti. Reports indicated that he was both a nephew and the deputy to Adamu Alieru within the bandit network.

Another armed group leader identified as Damale was also said to have been neutralised during the intense confrontation between troops and the criminal group.

Security reports explained that the confrontation followed an earlier raid carried out by bandits in Alhazawa village on March 5. During that attack, the armed group reportedly stole cattle belonging to residents of the community.

However, local residents were said to have resisted the attackers. With assistance from some repentant bandits who had previously abandoned criminal activities, the villagers reportedly fought back, killing four of the bandits and recovering the stolen livestock. The recovered cattle were later returned to their rightful owners.

Bandits Attempt Reprisal Attack

Reports suggested that after the failed operation, the bandits reorganised and returned the following day, Friday, allegedly preparing to launch a retaliatory attack on the same community.

While advancing toward Musawa Local Government Area through Maidabino A Ward, the armed group reportedly encountered military troops positioned at a Forward Operating Base in the Dan Ali area.

The unexpected encounter triggered a heavy exchange of gunfire between the two sides.

According to the report shared by Makama, the clash escalated into an intense firefight during which the troops gained the upper hand against the armed group.

“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,” the report stated.

Military Casualties Recorded

Despite the success of the operation, the military also suffered losses during the engagement. Reports indicated that three soldiers were killed while confronting the bandits during the battle.

Security sources further revealed that Alti had recently assumed a more prominent role in the criminal network following the death of his brother, Kachalla Dan Isihu. Dan Isihu had earlier been killed during previous counter-banditry operations carried out by security forces.

Investigations also suggested that Alti had coordinated several attacks on communities, particularly around the Danjibga axis located in Tsafe Local Government Area.

Security Operations Intensified

Following the encounter, security authorities were said to have intensified military operations across the surrounding areas in order to track down bandits who escaped during the firefight.

According to security sources, troops are currently conducting follow-up operations aimed at dismantling the remaining criminal networks operating within the region and preventing further attacks on local communities.