Army arrest 17 bandits in Katsina, kill one

Troops have arrested 17 bandits in Katsina and killed one of them during a clearance operation, the Nigerian Army announced on Sunday.

A statement by Assistant Director Arny Public Relations, Lt Mohammed Isa Yahaya said the troops recovered arms and ammunition from the bandits.

He added that the bandits have been terrorising Katsina communities and also engaged in cattle rustling in the area.

Lt Yahaya said:”troops of HARBIN KUNAMA III have successfully conducted a joint operation with troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI and personnel of the Nigerian police to clear bandits and other reported cases of robbery, cattle rustling and kidnappings in Katsina state.

“The clearance operation which is aimed at destroying all bandits’ camps in Katsina state has yielded tremendous results.

“In the course of the operation, troops conducted a cordon and search exercise while acting on credible intelligence reports at YAR SANTA village in Kankara Local Government Area and its environ.

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“At the peak of the exercise, one Mr Monday Chikwunka, 36 years old, an indigene of Delta state alongside sixteen (16) other bandits specialised in rustling cows, killing and kidnapping of citizens were intercepted.

“Preliminary interrogation and confessional statements by the suspects revealed that the gang are responsible for most criminal activities in the State and its localities.

“The ring leader (Monday Chikwunka) also served as medical aid of these criminals by providing medical assistance to the wounded bandits who sustained gun shot wounds and their families.