Five soldiers have been killed and 11 others wounded on Sunday when bandits invaded a military camp in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State,
A military internal memo revealed that the attack was carried out by a terror kingpin Ado Aleru, who led about 200 bandits armed with sophisticated weapons
They attacked the military camp situated at the village of Yar Malamai around 2pm, according to the memo obtained by Premium Times.
A vigilante, Aliyu Tukur, lost his life in the attack.
The memo stated: “Terrorist attack on military camp causing grievous hurt and death of military personnel.
“On receipt of the information, Supol Faskari, proceeded to the scene with his team and engaged the banditsi a gun battle as reinforcement (of) Air Components were also called upon and responded promptly.
“The battle lasted for over two hours after intervention from the Air Force; sadly five soldiers and one vigilante by name Aliyu Tukur, 30 years (old), of the same address, lost their lives.
“Eleven soldiers sustained different degrees of gunshot injuries, all the injured were rushed to hospital by the military, all the corpses were also removed.
“The attack led to the withdrawal of all the remaining military personnel from the village to a nearby camp 25 kilometres away situated at Ali Kere village due to heavy casualty recorded.
“The bandits also suffered heavy casualties but have succeeded in removing them away from the scene (sic). Residents of the area are currently migrating
“Investigation has commenced. Further development would be communicated above for your information, please.”
The Daily Trust reports which quoted a sources said there was a clash between the soldiers and the terrorists near the military camp in Faskari Local Government Area.
He said the soldiers were escorting residents of Yarmalamai village, “who were unable to move without military escort due to security concerns. Suspecting each other as threats, both groups engaged in gunfire, resulting in casualties. Tragically, five soldiers lost their lives and others sustained injuries.
“The following day, the terrorists returned to Yarmalamai village, setting houses ablaze and causing casualties, though the exact number is yet to be confirmed,” the source said.
The military high command in Abuja was yet to make an official statement on this development despite WhatsApp messages sent to the Director, Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba and the spokesperson of th eNigerian Army, Onyema Nwachukwu.
