Civilian JTF operative ‘shoots’ villager during ambush in Katsina

A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) has reportedly shot and injured a villager during an operation in Faskari LGA of Katsina state.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the incident happened on Monday along Old Bilbis road.

The road is said to be a route commonly used by bandits operating around the area.

The publication quoted security sources as saying that the CJTF laid an ambush on the outskirts of Faskari when a group of residents from Unguwar Gago rode out of the bush on motorcycles.

“Mistaking them for armed bandits, the vigilante team opened fire, injuring one Abubakar Sani,” Makama said.

“Security operatives later visited the scene and rushed the injured victim to General Hospital, Funtua, where he is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be responding well.”

Abubakar Aliyu, police spokesperson in Katsina, did not respond to an enquiry sent to his WhatsApp by TheCable.

The Katsina police command is also yet to release any official statement regarding the incident.

The incident is the latest in a series of unintentional killings of civilians by security agencies during operations targeting suspected bandits across the country.