A coordinated military operation by the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force has led to the elimination of a notorious bandit kingpin known as Gwaska and over 100 of his fighters across multiple locations in Katsina State.

The operation, conducted on April 10, was carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army?s 17th Brigade and the 213 Forward Operating Base, with air support from the Nigerian Air Force. It targeted known bandit hideouts in Mununu Bakai, Zango, Jeka Arera, Malali, and Ruwan Godiya, within Kankara and Faskari Local Government Areas.

Dr. Nasir Mua?zu, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, disclosed this in a statement issued in Katsina on Friday.

He said the operation, which was based on credible intelligence, neutralized Gwaska, a high-value target and second-in-command to an ISWAP-linked leader. Gwaska had reportedly relocated from Danmusa to the Mununu forest prior to the strike.

?Troops recovered and destroyed two machine guns, locally fabricated shotguns and other arms during the operation to prevent reuse by criminal elements,? he said.

According to Mua?zu, the successful offensive has disrupted the criminal network terrorising residents of Faskari, Kankara, Bakori, Malumfashi, and Kafur LGAs.

In a separate but related development, security forces also launched an operation targeting a known bandit route at Dutsen Wori along the Dandume-Kandamba Road, at the outskirts of Dandume town bordering Faskari and Sabuwa LGAs.

The raid, which began at about 3:45 a.m., led to the elimination of six more bandits, including their commander, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. Seven motorcycles were recovered, while four others managed to flee into the forest.

The commissioner said the bandits were tracked from their base at Maigora/Doroyi camp in Faskari LGA, adding that no casualties were recorded among security personnel.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State reiterated his administration?s determination to rid the state of banditry. He commended the security agencies for their gallant efforts and restated the government?s commitment to working with local communities to restore peace.

He also expressed optimism that with sustained collaboration and divine support, stability would return to the affected areas.

The commissioner noted that the operation formed part of a broader strategy by security stakeholders to reclaim the state and Northwest region from criminal elements. (Zagazola, but headline rejigged)

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