Bloody Reprisal: Army Eliminates 45 Bandits in Fierce Katsina Gun Duel, Loses Captain and Two Soldiers

KATSINA — Troops of the Nigerian Army have dealt a massive blow to terror syndicates operating in the North-West, neutralizing at least 45 bandits during a high-stakes, intense gun battle in the Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

However, the major tactical victory came at a heavy cost. The military lost three of its own personnel—an officer identified as Captain Paul Hassan, alongside two brave soldiers—who fell during the fierce confrontation on Friday, March 6, 2026.

While celebrating the disruption of the criminal network, the Katsina State Government expressed profound grief over the death of Captain Hassan and his two men. “On behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and the people of Katsina State, we commend the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers. Their actions have saved countless lives,” Dr. Mua’zu stated. “We also extend our deepest condolences to the families of the fallen military personnel. Our security forces remain on high alert and will not rest until peace is fully restored.” Troops have since intensified clearance operations in the surrounding forests to track down the fleeing remnants of the decimated gang.

The Trigger: A Failed Cattle Rustling Operation

According to a detailed statement released on Saturday by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, the deadly encounter was the climax of a two-day security crisis.

• The Initial Attack (March 5): Heavily armed bandits from neighboring Zamfara State invaded Alhazawa village in the Musawa Local Government Area. Riding on motorcycles, the attackers attempted to execute a massive cattle rustling operation.
• The Community Resistance: In a rare display of coordinated defiance, local residents, backed by repentant bandits in the community, fiercely resisted the invasion. They successfully killed four of the attackers and recovered all the stolen cattle, returning them to their rightful owners.

The Ambush: FOB Dan Ali Intercepts Reprisal Attack

Infuriated by their humiliating defeat, the bandits regrouped and returned in overwhelmingly larger numbers on Friday, March 6, launching a heavily armed revenge mission against the Alhazawa community.

As the marauding criminals advanced towards Musawa through the Maidabino A ward, they collided with Nigerian troops stationed at the Army’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Dan Ali.

A ferocious, protracted gun battle ensued. Using superior firepower and tactical positioning, the soldiers completely overpowered the heavily armed invaders, successfully neutralizing 45 of the assailants on the spot.

High-Profile Targets Eliminated

Security intelligence confirmed that the military operation successfully took out high-ranking figures within the regional banditry network. The neutralized targets include:

• Kachallah Alti (aka Alti): A notorious bandit leader who served as the nephew and direct second-in-command to the infamous kingpin, Adamu Alieru. Intelligence reports indicate Alti had recently escalated his violent operations along the Danjibga axis after security forces killed his brother, Kachalla Dan Isihu.
• Damale: Another highly dangerous senior bandit commander who terrorized communities across the Katsina-Zamfara border.

Katsina Government Mourns the Fallen Heroes

While celebrating the disruption of the criminal network, the Katsina State Government expressed profound grief over the death of Captain Hassan and his two men.

“On behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and the people of Katsina State, we commend the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers. Their actions have saved countless lives,” Dr. Mua’zu stated. “We also extend our deepest condolences to the families of the fallen military personnel. Our security forces remain on high alert and will not rest until peace is fully restored.”

Troops have since intensified clearance operations in the surrounding forests to track down the fleeing remnants of the decimated gang.