Troops and police operatives have killed a notorious bandit, Habu Bawale, on Friday during a gun duel along the Kaduna-Zaria dual carriage way in Rigachikun, Kaduna State.
The bandits had earlier attacked a Fulani settlement belonging to a popular herder, Damina Kukumake, at Kukumake village, according to a statement by Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan.
“The bandits who kidnapped some members of the herder’s family, also rustled several cattle and were making their escape when security agencies received a distress call.
“The security personnel comprising troops of the army and air force, as well as police operatives, made contact with the bandits as they attempted to cross the Kaduna-Zaria expressway,” he said.
He said during “the fierce gun duel, a notorious bandit, one Habu Bawale, was neutralized. Many other bandits escaped with bullet wounds.
“During the gunfight, the abducted hostages escaped and the rustled cattle scattered. After a check, the remaining cattle were recovered as some were confirmed to have been killed in the skirmish.
Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i who received the report, commended the troops and police operatives for the successful operation which foiled the bandits’ attack. He praised their spirited efforts in neutralizing one of the bandits, and enabling the escape of the kidnapped citizens.
