Security operatives neutralise notorious terrorist in Katsina

• Night Gathering Banned

Security operatives have neutralised a notorious terrorist, Nazifi Ibrahim, 22, during a shootout at Yankar village, in Faskari Council of Katsina State.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of yesterday, also saw the recovery of several live rounds of ammunition. A statement by spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, Abubakar Aliyu, said: “On November 11, 2023, at about 03:30hrs, based on a tip-off on the activities of some suspected kidnappers wielding dangerous weapons such as AK 47 rifles, in a farm situated at the outskirt of Yankara village, Faskari Council, Katsina State, the DPO Faskari promptly mobilised a joint team of police operatives, members of the vigilante, and officers of the Katsina State Neighbourhood Security Watch Corps to the scene.

“Upon noticing the presence of the operatives, the suspected kidnappers opened fire on them, to which the officers valiantly returned fire, forcing the terrorists to abandon their evil plan, fleeing into the nearby bush.

“While combing the scene, the body of one neutralised suspected kidnapper as well as 185 live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 90 live rounds of 5.56mm M193 type 06 ammunition, and 13 Ak-47 magazines neatly concealed in a sack were recovered.

“The body of the neutralised suspected kidnapper and gunrunner was later identified as one Nazifi Ibrahim, 22, of Unguwar Tsamiya Village, Faskari Local council. Efforts are on with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects as the investigation proceeds.
Meanwhile, night gathering of whatever kind across the 34 local councils in the state has been banned till further notice.

This is even as gathering in the day time will be regulated, with permission to be sought from security operatives before such gathering are held.

The ban announced by the state government in a statement, is coming on the heels of recent attacks on two Maulud procession by suspected terrorists.

Last Sunday, terrorists carried out an attack on a Maulud procession by Muslim faithful at Rugar Kusa Village, in Musawa Local Council, where 17 persons were killed and 20 abducted.

Two days ago, terrorists also attacked another similar procession in Faskari Council, where they killed one person and abducted unspecified number of people.

The statement by the state Commissioner of Information and Culture, Salisu Zango, said the ban is with immediate effect, warning against flouting the directive, as violators would face the full wrath of the law.