Bandits kill Nigerian Army commander in Katsina

Bandits kill Nigerian Army commander in Katsina

Bandits have killed an officer of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Katsina State, Major A.G. Mohammed.

Mohammed was killed in an ambush on Thursday evening, April 25, 2024.

The incident occurred in Malali village, Kankara local government area of the State, where the victim was responding to a distress call.

According to reliable sources, the Senior Army officer was en route to support local forces repelling an attack when his vehicle was intercepted by bandits.

“The area along Zangon Pawwa road, where Malali is located, is heavily plagued by bandit activity,” a source explained.

“Security forces typically request reinforcements from the nearby Maraban Dan’Ali camp, and the Major was quick to respond.”

“Tragically, the commander was travelling in a Hilux vehicle rather than an Armoured Personnel Carrier, which may not have been available at the time. His assailants ambushed him and fatally shot him in the head.”

During the recovery of his body, a fierce exchange of gunfire occurred between military personnel and the bandits, resulting in additional casualties, including an officer who was also shot.

A local resident recounted the sequence of events leading up to the ambush.

“After villagers alerted the security forces of the impending threat, the personnel discharged several shots in the air. Initially, there was no return fire from the bandits, leading them to believe the area was clear. However, when the Major arrived, the bandits re-engaged and targeted him,” the resident said.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, confirmed the report via his X handle on Friday.

“The news of the demise of Major AG Mohammed of 17 brigade Katsina State, Operation Hadarin DAJI is indeed heart-wrenching. Mohammed paid the supreme price while combating bandits in the North West of Katsina State. Until his death, he serves as the commander covering Yantumaki, Dan Ali and Kankara Axis. He was one of the most gallant, courageous and highly dedicated officers,” he wrote.