Bandits have fatally shot Major A.G. Mohammed, an officer of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Katsina State.

The incident occurred during an ambush on Thursday evening, April 25, 2024, in Malali village, Kankara local government area of the State, where Mohammed was responding to a distress call.

According to sources, Mohammed was en route to support local forces repelling an attack when his vehicle was intercepted by bandits along the heavily plagued Zangon Pawwa road.

Tragically, Mohammed was traveling 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.

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, stating that after villagers alerted the security forces, personnel discharged several shots in the air, initially receiving no return fire from the bandits. However, when Major Mohammed arrived, the bandits re-engaged and targeted him.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama confirmed the report, expressing sorrow over Mohammed's death and highlighting his gallantry, courage, and dedication in combating bandits in the North West of Katsina State.