Joint security forces have killed five suspected bandits and rescued 32 kidnapped victims during intensified operations targeting criminal gangs in Katsina State, according to the state government.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, saying the operations were aimed at dismantling the network of a notorious bandit leader, identified as Muhammad Fulani.
According to the statement, the operations were carried out across Matazu, Musawa, Kankia and Charanchi Local Government Areas of Katsina State, as well as parts of neighbouring Kano State.
Mu’azu said security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, 10 magazines and nine motorcycles allegedly used by the criminal gang.
Among those killed was a suspected bandit, identified as Samagi, described by the government as a close associate of notorious gang leader, Muhammadu Kachalla.
“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,” the statement said.
“In recent operations, security forces neutralised five bandits and recovered operational weapons and equipment.”
The commissioner added that the operations also led to the rescue of 32 abducted persons, including 10 women, nine men and 13 children allegedly held captive by the bandits.
The Katsina State government reiterated its position against negotiating with armed groups, insisting that the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda remained committed to crushing banditry through military operations.
“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 statement added.
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“The governor has continuously emphasised that the administration is committed to eliminating banditry at all costs and bringing criminal activities to the absolute minimum.”
Authorities said security operations against Muhammad Fulani and his network were still ongoing, with security agencies continuing raids and manhunts across affected communities.
For years, Katsina State has remained one of the states worst hit by armed banditry in Nigeria’s North-West region, with criminal gangs carrying out mass abductions, killings, cattle rustling and attacks on rural communities.
The violence has displaced thousands of residents, disrupted farming activities and deepened insecurity across several local government areas in the state.
