Ndudi Anyim
The Nigerian Army has denied a report published in Daily Trust Newspaper, of March 4, 2021, claiming that unspecified number of soldiers were feared killed in attack on military post in Marina, Safana LGA of Katsina State.
According to the Army Headquarters, the report is false, unsubstantiated and does not represent the facts of the incident.
In a statement signed by Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, members of the public are advised to disregarded the report as it does not represent the facts of the incident.
Narrating what happened, Yerima said only one personnel died in the gun battle with bandits, while four bandits were killed by troops.
“ To set the record straight, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI while conducting clearance operation against armed bandits and other criminal elements on Match 4, 2021, engaged and successfully neutralized four armed bandits, captured arms and motorcycle during an encounter with the armed bandits in Marina village in Safana LGA of Katsina State.
“ The unconfirmed number of armed men with unspecified number of rustled cattles were sighted and intercepted along Batsari-Runka road. However, in an attempt to escape from the troops onslaught, the bandits sporadically fired at troops direction but the gallant troops responded with superior firepower followed by a hot pursuit thereby forcing the bandits to withdraw in disarray.
“ During the encounter, four armed bandits were neutralized while others escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds. The troops also captured two AK-47 rifles and one motorcycle belonging to the bandits. Regrettably, one brave soldier paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter. Troops have dominated general area and are trailing the escaping bandits.
“ The gallant troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI have been commended for the successes achieved and their commitment so far. They are further urged not to rest on their oars until the North West zone is rid of all criminal activities. Additionally, the good people of the North West are once more assured of the troops’ commitment to safety of lives and properties within the zone.
“ They are also encouraged to avail the troops with timely and credible Information that could assist in the success of their operations, ” he said.