In a tragic escalation of violence in northern Nigeria, suspected bandits launched a retaliatory assault on a community in Katsina State, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 residents. The attack occurred in the Kankia Local Government Area, following a failed initial ambush by the armed group.
According to Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, intelligence reports indicated that a notorious bandit leader named Mohammadu Fulani had mobilized fighters and was moving toward key bridges in the area. A joint security team, led by the Divisional Police Officer in Kankia, intercepted the group and engaged them in a fierce gunfight.
During the operation, security forces neutralized several bandits and recovered eight motorcycles and stolen cattle. The commissioner credited the swift response to credible intelligence provided by local residents. However, the attackers regrouped later and launched a fresh assault around midday on Gwalgoro Village in Gyaza/Kunduru Ward, where they killed 11 civilians in what authorities described as a reprisal attack.
Condemning the incident as a “cowardly act of terror,” Mu’azu expressed condolences to the families of the victims and praised security operatives for their bravery in thwarting the initial attack. He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing timely information with security agencies to prevent further tragedies.