Residents flee as bandits attack military camp in Katsina

Heavily armed bandits have attacked a military camp in Nahuta village, Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina state.

The bandits, said to be in their numbers, stormed the military camp at about 11:30pm on Sunday, wielding weapons, including AK-47 rifles, and attacked the military men on guard.

Daily Trust gathered that the security personnel at the camp successfully repelled the assailants, even though the bandits were able to set ablaze military vehicles and damage other properties during the encounter.

In a coordinated attack, some of the bandits also proceeded to invade Nahuta town, where they ransacked shops, homes, and made away with valuables and domestic animals worth millions of naira.

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The development created tension and apprehension in the area even as some residents have started deserting the communities over fear of further attacks.

A military source in the area told Daily Trust that over 100 terrorists were involved in the assault on the military camp, during which they burnt two military vehicles.

The source said the attackers, came in three groups and tried to overwhelm the military, leading to a strategic retreat to avoid casualties.

Following the attack, residents of Nahuta were seen fleeing the community in fear.

They were said to be afraid of further attacks after the bandits looted their shops, seized food items, and killed several cattle.

The fleeing residents were reported to have sought refuge in nearby communities such as Batsari town and Wagini village, perceived to be relatively safe.

The Katsina State police spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, and the spokesman of the 17 Brigade Nigeria Army in Katsina, Oliza Ethinlaiye, were yet to comment on the incident as at the time of filing this report.