By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have repelled an attack by suspected bandits on the Federal Government’s grain silo in the Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
A statement on Sunday by the Corps’ spokesperson, Buhari Hamisu, said the bandits who carried out the attack at about 1a.m. on Saturday, 6th April 2024 attempted to destroy the silo and abduct its manager, Mr. Lawal Shitu-Yar’adua.
The operatives, who are Agro Rangers, responded swiftly, engaging the bandits in a fierce gun duel for over two hours.
They overpowered the criminals, who scaled the rear fence of the reserve and escaped with serious injuries. “The silo was not damaged, nor did the criminals succeed in their nefarious act,” Hamisu said.
The silo, Hamisu noted, is used to store grains being distributed to the people of Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto States.
“The command remains dedicated to promoting safety and security for the good people of the state and Nigeria as a whole, as well as providing adequate protection of critical national assets and infrastructure,” he added.
The NSCDC spokesperson also disclosed that “relevant Security agencies were alerted for reinforcement, while we have detailed more personnel to be deployed to the location and to increase the firepower of the operatives on the ground to prevent reoccurrence of the attacks.”
