Troops of the Nigerian Army have reportedly killed 45 suspected bandits during a gun battle in Danmusa Local Government Area.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, three soldiers were also killed during the operation.
Citing security sources, Makama said the bandits had earlier attacked Alhazawa village in Musawa Local Government Area on Thursday, rustling cattle belonging to residents.
The publication reported that community members, alongside some repentant bandits in the area, resisted the attack, killing four of the assailants and recovering the stolen cattle.
The bandits were said to have regrouped and returned on March 6 with the intention of carrying out a reprisal attack.
According to Makama, the gunmen encountered troops stationed at a forward operating base in Dan Ali.
A fierce gun battle reportedly followed, during which troops overpowered the attackers and killed 45 of them.
Makama said those killed included two bandit leaders identified as Alti — said to be a nephew and second-in-command to Adamu Alieru — and another commander known as Damale.
The report added that Alti had recently assumed a more active role within the bandit network following the death of Kachalla Dan Isihu, his brother, who had earlier been killed by security forces during counter-banditry operations.
Makama further stated that Alti allegedly coordinated several violent attacks across communities, particularly along the Danjibga axis in Tsafe Local Government Area.