Nigeria’s military kills 45 bandits in fierce Katsina clash, officials say

Nigeria’s military has killed 45 militants in the northwest region of the country, the Katsina state government confirmed.

The clashes occurred in the Danmusa area of Katsina, following a failed attempt by the gunmen to steal cattle, Nasir Mua’zu, the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said, AP reports.

“Seeking revenge, the bandits returned in large numbers on March 6,” Mua’zu said. “What followed was an intense and fierce battle. The army successfully neutralized all 45 bandits.”

Northern Nigeria has been grappling with a complex security crisis involving multiple armed groups. The United States has deployed troops to the country to advise Nigerian forces on combating insecurity.

Among the most prominent Islamic militant groups are Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Other armed groups include the IS-linked Lakurawa and various “bandit” gangs involved in kidnappings for ransom and illegal mining.

The crisis has recently worsened with incursions by militants from the neighboring Sahel region, including Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, which carried out its first attack on Nigerian soil last year.

According to United Nations data, several thousand people have been killed in Nigeria due to the ongoing violence. Analysts warn that the government has not done enough to protect its citizens.

By Vafa Guliyeva