At least 45 "bandits" were killed in a clash ​with Nigerian troops in ‌the Danmusa area of Katsina state in northern Nigeria, according ​to a statement from ​the Katsina State Government on ⁠Saturday.

The violence followed an attack ​by armed gangs of ​men from neighbouring Zamfara state who rode into Alhazawa village in Musawa ​on March 5 and ​attempted to steal cattle, the statement ‌said.

The ⁠attackers returned the following day and encountered troops stationed at the army's Forward Operating ​Base ​in ⁠Dan Ali near Maidabino ward, leading to a ​clash in which ​the ⁠army killed 45 of the attackers, the statement said.

A captain ⁠and ​two soldiers ​died in the encounter, the statement added.