The Nigerian Army on Saturday said that contrary to reports of the death of four soldiers during a bandits’ attack on a military base in Katsina State, only one soldier was killed and four bandits “neutralised” during the operation.
The Army therefore described the reported killing of four soldiers as “false and unsubstantiated,” asking the public to discountenance the story as it “does not represent the facts of the incident.”
According to a statement by Nigerian Army Spokesperson, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima,
“the attention of the the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a publication by Dailytrust.com of 4 March 2021, claiming that unspecified number of soldiers were feared killed in attack on military post in Marina, Safana LGA of Katsina State. The report is false and unsubstantiated and therefore should be disregarded by members of the public, as it does not represent the facts of the incident.
“To set the record straight, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI while conducting clearance operation against armed bandits and other criminal elements on 4 Match 2021, engaged and successfully neutralized 4 armed bandits, captured arms and motorcycle during an encounter with the armed bandits in Marina village in Safana LGA of Katsina State.
“The unconfirmed number of armed men with unspecified number of rustled cattles were sighted and intercepted along Batsari-Runka road. However, in an attempt to escape from the troops onslaught, the bandits sporadically fired at troops direction but the gallant troops responded with superior firepower followed by a hot pursuit thereby forcing the bandits to withdraw in disarray.
“During the encounter, 4 armed bandits were neutralized while others escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds. The troops also captured 2 AK-47 rifles and one motorcycle belonging to the bandits. Regrettably, one brave soldier paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter. Troops have dominated general area and are trailing the escaping bandits.
“The gallant troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI have been commended for the successes achieved and their commitment so far. They are further urged not to rest on their oars until the North West zone is rid of all criminal activities.
“Additionally, the good people of the North West are once more assured of the troops’ commitment to safety of lives and properties within the zone. They are also encouraged to avail the troops with timely and credible Information that could assist in the success of their operations.”