A senior Army commander was tragically killed in an ambush on Thursday evening in Katsina State.
The incident occurred in Malali village, Kankara local government area of the State, where the victim, who was a Major in the Nigerian Army, was responding to a distress call.
According to reliable sources, the Senior Army officer was en route to support local forces repelling an attack when his vehicle was intercepted by bandits.
“The area along Zangon Pawwa road, where Malali is located, is heavily plagued by bandit activity,” a source explained. “Security forces typically request reinforcements from the nearby Maraban Dan’Ali camp, and the Major was quick to respond.”
Tragically, the commander was travelling in a Hilux vehicle rather than an Armoured Personnel Carrier, which may not have been available at the time. “His assailants ambushed him and fatally shot him in the head,” the source added.
During the recovery of his body, a fierce exchange of gunfire occurred between military personnel and the bandits, resulting in additional casualties, including an officer who was also shot.
A local resident recounted the sequence of events leading up to the ambush. “After villagers alerted the security forces of the impending threat, the personnel discharged several shots in the air. Initially, there was no return fire from the bandits, leading them to believe the area was clear. However, when the Major arrived, the bandits re-engaged and targeted him.”
The area has experienced a significant uptick in violent incidents, leading to mass displacement from several communities.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Katsina, Oiza Ehinlaidlye, did not respond to inquiries for comment as at press time.
