At least 80 suspected bandits have reportedly been neutralised and several of them injured, following a joint security operation in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation said to have been carried out on January 4, saw the offensive ransacking five bandits’ camps at Kadoji, Matso-Matso, Bagga, Dogon Market, and Takatsaba areas.

Bandits operating from these camps have reportedly escalated banditry activities in Jibia and neighbouring council areas of Batsari and Batagarawa.

This is even as the state government has commended the joint security operation for a successful offensive, which has dealt big blow on the activities of the bandits.

The Katsina State government commended the Air Component (AC) of Operation Fansan Yamma and troops of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, Community Watch Corps and Vigilantes for executing a successful offensive on bandits camps in Kadoji, Matso- Matso, Bagga, Dogon Marke and Takatsaba areas of Jibia Local Government.

“The operation, conducted on 4th January 2025, followed credible intelligence revealing the establishment of bandit camps around the Local Government Area, which had escalated banditry activities in Jibia, Batsari and Batagarawa Local Government Areas,” Commissioner for Internal Security and Hime Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu, said in a statement.

“The joint air and ground operation resulted in the neutralization of 80 bandits, with several others sustaining injuries. Furthermore, their hideouts and key operational facilities were also destroyed, marking a significant blow to their operational capacity.

“The Katsina state government expresses deep appreciation for the unwavering commitment and dedication of the joint security team in restoring peace and stability in the state and the entire North West region.”