A member of Katsina state community watch corps and one vigilante member died on Wednesday when security operatives raided a bandits camp in Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state.
A police officer who was injured in the operation is currently recuperating in a hospital.
The raid was made public on Thursday evening by the spokesman for the Katsina State police command, ASP Abubakar Aliyu who also confirmed the number of casualties.
He explained that the security operatives who were made up of operatives of the Katsina State Police Command attached to Kankara and Malumfashi Divisional Headquaters and members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KTCWC), jointly raided the Burdugau bandits camp situated in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
He said scores of bandits were also believed to have been killed in the operation.
His words “On February 21, 2024, at about 08.00 a.m in a coordinated effort to combat the menace of banditry in the state, the operatives of the Katsina State Police Command attached to Kankara and Malumfashi Divisional Headquaters, in collaboration with members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KTCWC), jointly raided the Burdugau bandits camp situated in Malumfashi Local Government Area headed by one Babayo, a suspected notorious bandits’ kingpin, and succeeded in recovering three hundred and thirty-two (332) suspected rustled animals, as several suspected armed bandits were neutralised.
“The operation, marked by its strategic execution, resulted in the successful recovery of a substantial number of suspected rustled animals and provided a critical victory against the scourge of banditry in the state, thereby diminishing the threat posed by these criminal elements.
“It is important to note that a member of the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KTCWC) and one member of the vigilante group were unfortunately fatally injured; one (1) police officer was also shot and injured during the raid operation. However, it is reassuring to report that the injured officer is currently receiving treatment and is responding positively to medical care.”
The state Police Commissioner Aliyu Abubakar Musa, commended what he described as “professionalism and bravery displayed by the operatives,” adding that “these successful raid operations underscore the commitment of the command towards safeguarding the lives and property of citizens of the state and also reaffirm our resolve to confront and neutralise criminal activities in the state while ensuring the safety and security of all residents. towards safeguarding the lives and property of citizens of the state and also reaffirm our resolve to confront and neutralise criminal activities in the state while ensuring the safety and security of all residents.”
The Commissioner of Police also commiserated with families of the two operatives who lost their lives in the raid.
“While praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased officers, the CP extends his deepest condolences to their families and further states that the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices exhibited by these officers will forever be remembered,” the command spokesman added.