The military has intensified its crackdown on bandits in Katsina State, killing 31 in two separate operations.
In the first operation, it was gathered that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma engaged bandits at Maigora village in Faskari Local Government Area (LGA), eliminating 12, including a notorious commander, Dogo.
Sources said five bandits were earlier killed during an attack on the village.
However, when the bandits regrouped for a counterattack, military forces overpowered them, killing seven more. Seven motorcycles used by the criminals were also seized.
In another operation, the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma launched airstrikes on bandit hideouts in Unguwar Goga Hillforest, Ruwan Godiya Ward, Faskari LGA.
The strikes destroyed two major camps belonging to notorious bandit leaders, Alhaji Gero and Alhaji Riga and killed at least 19 bandits.
Security sources confirmed that military operations are being intensified across the North West to dismantle bandit networks and prevent their resurgence.
They said troops are maintaining both aerial and ground surveillance to track fleeing criminals and ensure they do not regroup.
Armed robbers kill watchman in school attack
Suspected armed robbers attacked Government Secondary School, Yashe in Kusada LGA, Katsina State, killing a security guard and injuring another.
The attack occurred around 4:30 am on Sunday when the criminals stormed the school and assaulted the watchmen with machetes before making away with a solar inverter.
A relative of the deceased recounted that the late security guard, Malam Abdu Sanusi, was asleep while his colleague, Aliyu
Ahmed, kept watch. Suddenly, armed men appeared and attacked Aliyu, inflicting severe head injuries. The commotion awakened Sanusi, who attempted to resist but was overpowered, tied up, and brutally killed.
At dawn, when Sanusi failed to return home for suhoor, his family went in search of him and discovered his lifeless body.
The Police were alerted and both victims were taken to Kankia General Hospital, where Sanusi was confirmed dead, while Ahmed was admitted for treatment.
Sanusi has since been buried in Yashe village in accordance with Islamic rites.
@Daily Trust
