A notorious bandit commander, Iliya Mai Rasha, has been killed during a fierce gun battle between security forces and armed bandits in Guga Village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The development was reported by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, who said the operation also left more than 40 suspected bandits dead.
According to the report, the attack occurred at about 5:40pm on July 26 when over 200 heavily armed bandits stormed Guga Village after allegedly being mobilised by notorious bandit kingpin, Idi Abasu Aiki.
Makama said Mai Rasha was among the senior bandit commanders who joined the attack at the invitation of notorious kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki.
He had been linked to several deadly attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The report said a combined team of local hunters, the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade confronted the attackers in a prolonged gun battle, forcing them to retreat with heavy casualties.
According to security sources quoted in the report, more than 40 suspected bandits, including at least eight senior commanders, were killed during the operation, while Idi Abasu Aiki reportedly sustained life-threatening gunshot wounds.
“The killing of Iliya Mai Rasha is considered a significant operational success, as he had long been linked to violent attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities in Tsafe and adjoining communities in Zamfara State,” the report stated.
Makama added that security operatives have continued clearance operations to recover abandoned weapons and track fleeing bandits.
The report added that five local hunters were killed after they were caught outside the frontline during the operation.
Military authorities and the Katsina State Government commended the troops, hunters and community watch personnel for repelling the attack and restoring calm to the community.
Bandit kingpin Iliya Mai Rasha among 8 commanders, over 40 terrorists neutralised in Katsina battle