By In a coordinated effort to combat banditry in Katsina State, a joint operation comprising the Katsina State Police Command, the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), and local vigilantes has resulted in the killing of five suspected bandits and the apprehension of three individuals believed to be providing information to the criminal groups. The successful security operations took place on Thursday, April 10, 2025, across the Dandume and Danmusa local government areas of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Katsina State, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, disclosed in a press statement that the initial operation was launched in Dandume Local Government Area in the early hours of the morning. Acting upon reliable intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Dandume led a joint security team at approximately 4:15 a.m. to Dutsen Wori Village, an area known to be frequently used as a route by bandits operating in the region.
DSP Aliyu reported that the joint team successfully executed an ambush on the suspected bandits. This strategic action led to the neutralization of five armed criminals. Following the encounter, the security forces were able to recover significant assets believed to be used by the bandits in their illicit activities, including seven operational motorcycles, four Honda cars, and three Boxer motorcycle models.
Later that same morning, at around 7:00 a.m., a second coordinated operation was carried out in the Unguwar Adam and Unguwar Judo villages within the Danmusa Local Government Area. This operation was initiated based on actionable intelligence provided by the Department of State Services (DSS). The DPO of Danmusa, supported by personnel from the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) and local vigilantes familiar with the terrain, led a raid on a suspected bandits’ hideout in the area.
Upon reaching the hideout, a gun duel ensued between the security forces and the suspected bandits. This confrontation ultimately led to the dislodgment of the criminals from their enclave. In the aftermath of the raid, three individuals suspected of acting as informants for the bandits were successfully apprehended. These individuals are believed to have been providing crucial logistical and intelligence support to the criminal gangs operating in the area. Additionally, two motorcycles and two bicycles were recovered from the scene of the operation. DSP Aliyu further stated that ongoing efforts are in place to track down and apprehend any suspects who managed to escape during both operations.
Commending the bravery and effectiveness of the operatives involved, the Commissioner of Police for the Katsina State Command, CP Bello Shehu, lauded their professionalism and the seamless synergy displayed between the various security agencies and local vigilantes. He emphasized that “these operations demonstrate the commitment of the command, in collaboration with sister security agencies, to maintaining peace and security in the state.”
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the unwavering determination of the command to confront the menace of banditry head-on and to ensure the safety and security of all citizens within Katsina State. He also made a strong appeal to the general public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring them of a swift and decisive response and the continued dedication of the security forces to restoring normalcy in communities affected by banditry.
