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Joint security operations in Katsina State have led to the killing of five suspected bandits and the rescue of 32 abducted persons, according to the state government.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Katsina on Thursday, noting that the operations formed part of intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the state.
He said the raids targeted a wanted bandit commander, Muhammad Fulani, who allegedly operates across Matazu, Musawa, Kankia and Charanchi local government areas, as well as parts of neighbouring Kano State.
Security forces reportedly neutralised five members of the gang and recovered weapons and other operational items, including an AK-47 rifle, 10 magazines and nine motorcycles used for their activities.
Among those killed was a suspect identified as Samagi, said to be a close associate of another notorious bandit leader, Muhammadu Kachalla.
The statement further explained that 32 kidnapped victims, including women, men and children, were freed during the operations, while efforts to track down Muhammad Fulani were still ongoing.
It added that the state government, under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, had maintained a firm stance against negotiating with armed groups, insisting instead on sustained military pressure to end banditry.
The statement read, “Katsina State Government has recorded another successful security operation against bandit activities in the state and the neighbouring communities.
“The Joint security forces have intensified operations targeting Muhammad Fulani, a notorious bandit leader operating across Matazu, Musawa, Kankia Charanchi, and parts of Kano State.
“In recent operations, security forces neutralised five bandits and recovered operational weapons and equipment. The recovered items include one AK47 rifle, 10 magazines, and nine motorcycles used by the criminal gang.
“Notable among the eliminated bandits is Samagi, a close ally of Muhammadu Kachalla. The operations resulted in the rescue of 32 victims comprising 10 women, 9 men, and 13 children who were being held by the bandits.
“It is expedient to emphasise that the state government under Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has made its position very clear not to contemplate negotiating with bandits. The governor has continuously emphasized that the administration is committed to eliminating banditry at all costs and bringing criminal activities to the absolute minimum.”
Mu’azu also said security operations would continue across affected areas, urging residents to support authorities with credible intelligence to aid ongoing missions.
Katsina remains one of the worst-hit states in Nigeria’s North-West banditry crisis, which has driven mass kidnappings, rural attacks and displacement across several communities over the past decade.
