While addressing the troops, Mr Lagbaja commended the special forces brigade for their sacrifices and service to the nation.
According to a member of a local vigilante group in Katsina, some of the bandits who stormed the villages wore military fatigues.
Mr Nwachukwu said the last trooping and presentation of colours parade for the army units was conducted in 2007.
The state police spokesperson, Abdullahi Usman, who confirmed the incident, said efforts were ongoing to ascertain what transpired between the deceased and the military personnel.
Mr Nwachukwu said the raid was carried out in a joint operation with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Police and the State Security Service in the conduct of Exercise Golden Dawn II.
The bandits were neutralised on Saturday as the troops continue to push on to clear the North-West of banditry and terrorism.
The army spokesman said the neutralised members had taken a position to launch one of their primed rocket launchers when they were taken out by the vigilant troops.
Mr Yahaya urged soldiers to compliment the Nigerian Army’s kinetic engagements with “spiritual efforts…”
A vehicle laden with explosives and assorted ammunition was stopped around Utanga village, toward Obudu Mountains in Cross River.
“We will take the allegations seriously and approach the Methodist church to unravel the weighty allegations.”
