Troops neutralise 30 gunmen in Katsina

Joint security forces in Katsina State have killed 30 armed bandits during coordinated counter-operations in Faskari Local Government Area. This was disclosed in a statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, who said the operation was carried out by a combined team of Police Mobile Force (PMF) operatives, military […]

Joint security forces in Katsina State have killed 30 armed bandits during coordinated counter-operations in Faskari Local Government Area.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, who said the operation was carried out by a combined team of Police Mobile Force (PMF) operatives, military personnel, and Nigerian Air Force components.

Mua’zu said the security team engaged hundreds of heavily armed bandits who launched simultaneous attacks on the communities of Kadisau, Raudama and Sabon Layi on Tuesday.

He said tragically, five security personnel, three police officers and two soldiers, as well as one civilian, lost their lives during the fierce encounter.

Dr. Mua’zu commended the gallantry of the fallen officers and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting security agencies in their continued fight against banditry and other forms of criminality in the state.

He said, “The security forces were immediately mobilised upon receiving intelligence of these attacks. Additional reinforcements from Dandume and the Nigerian Air Force were swiftly deployed to the affected areas. 

“After intense confrontations, our gallant security forces successfully repelled the attackers, forcing them to retreat. 30 of the criminals were neutralised through coordinated air strikes as they attempted to escape.”

It added that, “While we celebrate the bravery of our security personnel, we mourn the loss of heroes who paid the ultimate price in defending our communities. 

“We lost three dedicated Police Mobile Force personnel: Inspector Suleiman Ibrahim, Inspector Bello Bala, and Corporal Mohammed Lawal, along with civilian Aliyu Sa’adu from Kadisau village. 

“In Sabon Layi, two courageous soldiers made the supreme sacrifice, while Ya’u Aliyu sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.”

The commissioner extended deepest condolences to the families of the fallen heroes and the affected communities. 

“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their families will receive full government support during this difficult time,” he said.

He assured residents of Katsina State that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration remained unwavering in its commitment to crushing banditry and restoring lasting peace to the state. 

He called on them to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies. 

Katsina has remained a hotspot for banditry in the North-West, with armed groups consistently launching attacks on villages and kidnapping residents for ransom.

On June 21, 2025, armed bandits launched an attack on farmers in the Kwari Manaja Forest, located in Sabuwa Local Government Area (LGA). Police officers engaged the assailants in a firefight and successfully rescued six abducted farmers.

Also, a joint team comprising conventional security personnel and members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps, on June 18, 2025, responded to a bandit raid on Rahamawa village, situated along the Kurfi-Safana axis in Charanchi LGA. The operation led to the killing of 12 bandits and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, numerous rounds of ammunition, and 22 rustled cattle.

On April 8, 2025, a joint task force comprising police and members of the Community Watch Corps rescued 10 kidnapped victims in the Gidan Marke area of Musawa LGA. 

Earlier, on March 15, 2025, security forces acting on intelligence raided a suspected bandit hideout in Dan Takuri village, Danmusa LGA, where the criminals were reportedly planning an attack. One bandit was killed, and security personnel seized weapons and illegal drugs during the operation.

In February 2025, bandits ambushed travellers at night along the Yantumaki-Tashan Icce road in Danmusa LGA, wounding two passengers and abducting several others. Police responded swiftly, repelled the attackers, and launched a pursuit to recover the kidnapped victims.

Governor Dikko Radda revealed on Tuesday that nearly 90 per cent of the bandits operating in the state are not outsiders, but locals from within the affected communities.