Fifteen Lives Lost in Bandit Attack on Katsina Community

At least 15 people have lost their lives following an attack by suspected bandits who engaged with community guards in Falele village, located in the Daddara district of Jibia Local Government Area in Katsina State.

The violent incident took place around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, when armed individuals invaded the area, leading to a fierce gun battle with local security volunteers.

Nasir Mua’zu, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in the state, verified the occurrence in a statement issued on Tuesday.

In the statement, he remarked that "the Katsina State Government has confirmed a violent confrontation in Falale and Kadobe villages within the Jibia Local Government Area on March 17, 2026.”

He continued, “The event resulted in 15 fatalities, although security personnel have managed to restore order and stabilize the environment.”

According to further reports, the local vigilantes engaged with some repentant bandits, which led to three additional casualties. This clash incited a retaliatory attack that caused more deaths within the communities.

“Members of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Civilian Watch (C-Watch), and local leaders collaborated closely to control the situation,” he added.

“This collective action highlights the strength of our security partnership and the involvement of the community. The joint operation helped prevent further casualties and restored tranquility in the affected areas,” he emphasized.

Mua’zu also urged residents to maintain calm and let security operatives conduct their investigations, acknowledging the distress experienced by the bereaved families.

“We ensure to deliver justice and avert future occurrences,” he stated. Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration is actively pursuing sustained peace within Katsina State, he noted, asserting that nothing will hinder their dedication to safeguarding lives and properties.

“It is important to note that Jibia Local Government Area has experienced relative peace for more than a year, attributed to strategic security measures implemented by Radda’s administration,” he said.

The government thus encourages residents to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities, stressing the importance of community cooperation in achieving enduring peace and security throughout Katsina State.