14 vigilantes, bandits killed during clash in Katsina

No fewer than 14 people have lost their lives in a clash between members of a vigilante group and armed bandits in Tsamiyar Jino village, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The Spokesperson of the Katsina State Police Command, SP Gambo Isah confirmed the incident.

He said members of the vigilante group had launched an attack on the bandits in their hideout in the forest, killing seven of them. As a result, a fierce battle ensued where the bandits also killed seven of the vigilante members.

In his words: “the vigilante members launched an attack on the bandits in the forest. They had a fierce battle and as a result of this about seven bandits were killed by the vigilante group and also about seven vigilantes also killed by the bandits.

READ ALSO: KILLINGS: Lives of common Nigerians less important to governing elites – Senator Sani

“Bandits have taken away their corpse. “The Divisional Police Officer, DPO is already there and normalcy has returned.

“The vigilante group are advised to always collaborate and synergize with security agencies whenever they have relevant information about movement of the bandits.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed that henceforth all the vigilante group with any credible information should work closely with the police and military,” SP Isah said.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special Squad code named “Operation Puff Adder” deployed to Katsina state has been inaugurated.

The Special Task Force has been deployed to eight frontline local government areas of Katsina State to combat kidnapping and banditry in the state.

“Operation Puff Adder” comprises units from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Units (CTU), IGP-Special Tactical Squad (STS), Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD), Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), and IGP-Rapid Response Team (IRRT) to Katsina state.

State Commissioner of Police Sanusi Buba said: “They will work closely and assiduously with leaders of the communities, specially reliable vigilante groups, leaders of thought, and well-meaning citizens in getting credible intelligence that will not only lead to the arrest of the bandits but the recovery of their operational weapons.”

He said in order to achieve this feat, all hands must be on deck noting that “We are appealing to the good people of Katsina state to provide us with credible and actionable intelligence that will assist in carrying out this national assignment.”

“It is absolutely imperative to warn that bad elements in the communities who assist the bandits materially or otherwise should desist or else they will be fished out and dealt with according to the law,” he said.

“Let me hasten to warn that all officers and men engaged in this operation must adhere strictly to the rules of engagement and avoid any action that could drag the dignity of the force to disrepute.

“Any unprofessional attitude will be severely reprimanded and successes achieved will also be rewarded accordingly,” he added.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now