Katsina Government Commends Troops for Neutralizing Bandits in Bichi Hill Raid
The Katsina State Government has lauded the Air Component (AC) of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and troops of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, for their decisive action against notorious bandit kingpins Manore, Lalbi, and their cohorts. The successful operation, carried out on December 19, 2024, followed actionable intelligence that revealed the establishment of bandit camps around Bichi Hill, which had been fueling criminal activities in Danmusa, Safana, and Kankara Local Government Areas.
The mission was informed by credible intelligence and several Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that exposed the hideouts of the bandits. These criminals had orchestrated numerous abductions, cattle rustling operations, and violent attacks on communities, including Maidabino, Yantumaki, and Danmusa in Katsina State.
After confirming the targets, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) attack platforms launched precision airstrikes, bombarding the identified locations in successive passes. Surviving bandits regrouped within Bichi Hill but encountered fierce resistance as advancing ground troops engaged them in intense firefights.
Despite their attempts to resist, some bandits fled to nearby trees for cover. The Air Component promptly returned to the area, delivering additional strikes on the hiding criminals. As the bandits attempted to escape on motorcycles, air platforms tracked them to a new location and launched yet another successful strike.
The joint air and ground offensive resulted in the neutralization of scores of bandits, with many others sustaining injuries. Their hideouts and operational facilities around the high ground were destroyed, significantly crippling their capacity for further criminal activities.
The Katsina State Government, on behalf of its peace-loving citizens, commended the unwavering efforts of the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 2 and the 17 Brigade. The government described the troops’ commitment to restoring peace and stability in the state and the North West region as exemplary. This operation, it noted, serves as a strong deterrent to future attempts by criminals to establish enclaves in the area.
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