Katsina Raid leaves five suspected bandits dead as security forces rescue 32 kidnapped victims in fresh operations

Joint security forces in Katsina State have killed five suspected bandits and rescued 32 kidnapped victims during intensified operations targeting criminal gangs operating across parts of the state and neighbouring communities.

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The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, disclosed the development in a statement issued to journalists on Friday.

According to Nasir Mu’azu, the operations focused on a notorious bandit leader identified as Muhammad Fulani, who is allegedly responsible for attacks across Matazu, Musawa, Kankia and Charanchi local government areas, as well as parts of Kano State.

The Katsina Raid reportedly led to the recovery of weapons and operational equipment used by the criminal gang.

Security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, 10 magazines and nine motorcycles believed to have been used during attacks and kidnapping operations.

Among those killed was Samagi, described by authorities as a close associate of notorious bandit 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.

The operations also resulted in the rescue of 32 kidnapped victims, including 10 women, nine men and 13 children who had allegedly been held captive by the bandits.

Nasir Mu’azu reiterated the position of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda that the state government would not negotiate with armed groups terrorising communities.

According to the commissioner, the administration remains committed to eliminating banditry and reducing criminal activities across the state.

“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,” he stated.

Authorities confirmed that operations targeting Muhammad Fulani and other criminal elements remain ongoing, with security forces continuing manhunt operations across affected areas.

Residents were also urged to support security agencies by providing useful intelligence capable of aiding ongoing operations.

Katsina State remains one of the regions most affected by banditry in Nigeria’s North-West, where armed gangs have carried out mass kidnappings, cattle rustling, village attacks and killings over the past decade.

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The persistent violence has displaced thousands of residents, disrupted farming activities and intensified humanitarian concerns across several rural communities.