Armed gunmen raided a military base in Katsina’s Faskari Local Government Area, killing five troops and injuring 11.
The reporter gathered that the incident took place around 2 p.m. on Sunday and killed numerous people as well as a local vigilante member.
According to a military internal memo obtained, approximately 200 highly armed terrorists, headed by legendary bandit leader Ado Aleiru, invaded the Yar Malamai village military base.
The memo reads: “Terrorist attack on military camp causing grievous hurt and death of military personnel.
“A member of the local vigilante group, identified as 30-year-old Aliyu Tukur, was among those killed.
“Supol Faskari and his team responded promptly to the scene, engaging the bandits in a fierce battle, supported by Air Force components. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, we suffered significant losses.
“The battle, lasting over two hours, forced the military to pull back the remaining forces to a safer location, about 25 kilometres away, due to the heavy casualties incurred. The bandits also suffered heavy casualties but have succeeded in removing them away from the scene.
“The aftermath saw the terrorists returning to Yarmalamai village, burning houses and escalating the violence, although specific casualty figures from the subsequent attack remained unconfirmed.“
Meanwhile, a combined security force operations had led to the rescue of 17 abducted passengers mostly males from the hands of violent extremists in the Solar General Area of Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State. The Nigerian Army Team 9 Troops, in collaboration with the Katsina Police Command, State Community Watch Corps, Special Hunters, and local hunters from Batsari were consequently and swiftly mobilised and deployed to the scene.
Upon arrival, the combined security forces engaged the violent extremists in a firefight, thus abandoning their abductees and fleeing into the surrounding nearby bush.
The military source revealed that all the abducted passengers were successfully rescued and have been released to the officials of Batsari Local Government Area of the state.
In a Sunday statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Katsina Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed explained that the troops remain actively deployed in the general area of Katsina State to deter further criminal activities and ensure the safety of residents
