The Nigeria Army has debunked media report claiming that unspecified number of soldiers were killed in an attack on military post in Marina, Safana LGA of Katsina State on March 4th.
It says contrary to report the troops of Operation ‘Hadarin Daji’ on March 4 engaged and successfully neutralised 4 armed bandits,captured arms during a clearance operation in Marina village in Safana LGA of Katsina State losing one soldier in the gun duel.
A statement on Saturday by Director Army Public Relations,Brigadier Gen. Mohammed Yerima however descibed the report as false and unsubstantiated and asked the members of the public to disregard it as it does not represent the facts of the incident.
He said, ” To set the record straight, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI while conducting clearance operation against armed bandits and other criminal elements on 4 Match 2021, engaged and successfully neutralized 4 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, 4 armed bandits were neutralized while others escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds.
” The troops also captured 2 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.
Yerima in the statement however reassured people of the North West of the troops’ commitment to safety of their lives and properties while also encouraging them to always provide timely and credible information that will assist in it’s operations.
” 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.
