According to the military on Saturday, the troops encountered the bandits on Thursday while responding to a distress call on the movement of bandits with rustled animals within Gurbin Magarya, Kwari and Garin Gado villages of Jibia LGA.
The troops shot dead 24 of the bandits and afterwards recovered four AK-47 rifles, two locally-made pistols and three dane guns.
In the Maru LGA, two bandits were killed in Bindim and Koli towns while the troops also recovered 17 rounds of 7.62 mm.
The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations of the Defence Headquarters, Brig Gen Benard Onyeuko, said, “The troops of Operation Hadarin Daji acting on credible intelligence invalidated two bandits in Bindim and Koli towns of Maru.
“In the same vein, troops while on patrol at Gando rescued seven males and two females kidnapped by bandits. The victims have been handed over to their families. Also, about 42 cows and 38 sheep were recovered. Troops are currently dominating the area with patrols which have helped to build confidence of locals.
“Similarly, troops responded to a distress call on the movement of bandits with rustled animals within Gurbin Magarya, Kwari and Garin Gado villages of Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
“In the course of operation, 24 bandits were killed in action; four AK-47 rifles, two locally-made pistols and three dane guns were recovered.”