Troops of 17th Brigade and the 213 Forward Operating Base, with air support from the Nigerian Air Force have neutralised a notorious bandit kingpin, Gwaska and over 100 of his fighters across multiple locations in Katsina State.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu in a statement issued on Friday said the operation, which was based on credible intelligence, neutralised Gwaska, a high-value target and second-in-command to an ISWAP-linked leader.
He explained that Gwaska had reportedly relocated from Danmusa to the Mununu forest prior to the strike.
Mua’zu added that the operation targeted known bandit hideouts in Mununu Bakai, Zango, Jeka Arera, Malali, and Ruwan Godiya, within Kankara and Faskari Local Government Areas.
He noted: “Troops recovered and destroyed two machine guns, locally fabricated shotguns and other arms during the operation to prevent reuse by criminal elements.
“The successful offensive has disrupted the criminal network terrorising residents of Faskari, Kankara, Bakori, Malumfashi, and Kafur LGAs.”
Also, security forces have launched an operation targeting a known bandit route at Dutsen Wori along the Dandume-Kandamba Road, at the outskirts of Dandume town bordering Faskari and Sabuwa LGAs.
Mua’zu revealed that the bandits were tracked from their base at Maigora/Doroyi camp in Faskari LGA, adding that no casualties were recorded among security personnel.
He said the raid which began at about 3:45 a.m, led to the elimination of six more bandits, including their commander, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The commissioner said seven motorcycles were recovered, while four others managed to flee into the forest.
