A team of policemen in the early hours of yesterday engaged 200 bandits in gun battle that lasted over one hour in Safana Council of Katsina State.

Although no lives were lost on both sides, the Police said several bandits received gunshot wounds and escaped into surrounding forests, adding that area was being combed for possible arrest of the bandits.

It, however, said 500 animals, consisting of 200 cows and 300 sheep/goats, as well as three motorcycles were recovered from the fleeing bandits.

The incident came four days after bandits attacked Zango village in Kankara Council, killing 10 persons and injuring five others.A statement signed by the spokesman of the state Police Command, Gambo Isah, yesterday, added: “On 26/07/2019, about 00:00hrs, a group of bandits, numbering 200, on motorcycles and armed with dangerous weapons, shooting sporadically, invaded and attacked simultaneously, residents of both Sabon Garin Baure and Baure villages in Safana Council.  

“DPO Safana immediately led teams of Operations Puff Adder to the scene and engaged the hoodlums into a gun duel that lasted for over an hour.  

“The Police teams succeeded in dislodging the hoodlums and chased them out of the village. They also recovered 200 cows and 300 sheep/goats and three motorcycles from the bandits. 

“The teams are combing the fringes of Rugu Forest for the remnants of the hoodlums who have escaped with gunshots during the encounter for possible arrest.  

“The Command enjoins members of the public to continue to partner with security agencies in the fight against crime and criminality in the  state. Investigation is ongoing.”