Security operatives have neutralised three suspected bandit leaders along the Kwakare Area in the Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State. Other bandits, however, escaped with various degrees of gunshot injuries.

The suspects were said to have been neutralised by a combined team of police officers and vigilante members around 10:30hrs on Saturday.

The success was, according to the Spokesman of the Command, Abubakar Aliyu, part of the command’s determination in the ongoing fight against banditry in the state.

The joint patrol team upon reaching the Kwakare Area, clashed with some suspected kidnappers who opened fire on the team. But the officers valiantly returned fire, forcing the terrorists to flee into the nearby bush, he said.

The bodies of the neutralised suspects were later identified as those of (1) Bala Wuta, a notorious bandit leader terrorising Jibia LGA and its environs; Dogo Na Sahura; and Hassan Bukuru.

“While combing the scene and surrounding bushes, the bodies of three neutralised suspected kidnappers as well as one operational motorcycle of the bandits were recovered,” Aliyu said in a Tuesday statement.

“Efforts are on with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects as the investigation proceeds.”

The spokesman quoted the Katsina Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Musa, as hailing the operatives for the feat. He is calling on residents of the state to provide the police and other security agencies with the relevant information to enable them to tackle criminal activities headlong. (Channels TV)