Terrorists Launch Coordinated Midnight Attacks in Katsina, Kill, Injure, and Kidnap Residents

Heavily armed terrorists have attacked multiple communities in Katsina State during a night assault, killing and injuring residents while abducting several others. The attacks targeted Unguwar Alhaji Barau, Gidan Dan Mai-gizo, and Gidan Hazo in Na’alma Ward, Malumfashi Local Government Area.

The incident follows a previous attack in Unguwar Daudu, Funtua LGA, where at least 20 people were kidnapped. Despite recent peace agreements, Katsina remains a hotspot of banditry and violent crimes, with local residents often facing kidnappings, killings, and displacement. Security agencies are yet to release official casualty figures or a statement on the incident.

Terrorists Raid Katsina Community, Abduct 20 Residents in Night Attack on Unguwar Daudu Despite Ongoing Peace Deals

Terrorists have launched a deadly night raid on Unguwar Daudu community in Dukke Ward of Funtua Local Government Area, Katsina State, abducting no fewer than 20 residents and injuring two others. The attack occurred on Sunday night, January 4, 2026, when heavily armed assailants stormed the rural community, spreading fear and chaos among residents.

A Katsina-based security expert, Malam Bakatsine, confirmed the incident, noting that the attack happened despite multiple peace agreements recently brokered between local authorities and armed groups operating in the area. Funtua Local Government is among several parts of Katsina State that have witnessed persistent banditry, including kidnappings, killings, and mass displacement of residents.

The incident comes amid a surge of violent attacks across Katsina. SaharaReporters had earlier reported a separate assault on Naino village in Naalma Ward of Malumfashi Local Government Area, where bandits killed two people and injured six others during an early morning attack on January 1, 2026. Security sources said the attackers entered the village from the Musawa axis at about 6:30 a.m., firing sporadically and causing widespread panic.

Following the attacks, joint security forces were deployed to affected areas, with blockades established along suspected escape routes and cordon-and-search operations launched to track down the perpetrators. The injured victims from the Malumfashi attack were taken to Malumfashi General Hospital, where two were confirmed dead on arrival, while others are receiving treatment.

The renewed violence has heightened concerns over the effectiveness of peace deals and security measures in Katsina State, as communities continue to face repeated attacks despite assurances of improved security.

Bandits Kill 2, Injure 6 in Katsina Village Attack

Bandits attacked Naino village in Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State, on the morning of January 1, killing two residents, Kamala Lawal and Tijjani Umaru, and injuring six others. The attackers entered from Musawa, firing sporadically and causing panic. Victims were taken to Malumfashi General Hospital, where the deceased were pronounced dead on arrival.

Security forces responded immediately, setting up blockades, conducting cordon-and-search operations, and reinforcing security in the area. Investigations are ongoing as the attack adds to a series of bandit assaults affecting rural communities in Katsina State.

Bandits Attack Katsina Community on New Year Day, Kill Three Residents Despite Reported Peace Deal, Raising Fresh Security Concerns in Northwest Nigeria

Suspected bandits launched a deadly early-morning attack on Unguwar Naino community in Na’alma ward of Malumfashi Local Government Area, Katsina State, on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, killing at least three residents and injuring several others. The assault occurred barely days after a reported peace agreement in the area, shattering hopes of an end to recurring violence.

Local sources said the attackers stormed the community at dawn, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee their homes in panic. The injured were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment, while fear spread across surrounding villages. The attack was first reported publicly by Katsina-based social media commentator @DanKatsna50, who questioned the effectiveness of peace deals without sustained security presence and intelligence-led operations.

Katsina State remains one of the epicentres of banditry in Nigeria’s northwest, with rural communities frequently targeted despite repeated negotiations and peace initiatives with armed groups. The latest incident has reignited public debate over the viability of peace agreements in the absence of consistent security operations and long-term strategies to protect vulnerable communities.

Efforts by SaharaReporters to obtain a response from the Katsina State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, neither answered calls nor responded to messages seeking official reaction to the attack.

ALERT: Yesterday night, bandits stormed Unguwar Gambo & Gawo communities in Yaba ward, Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State. They killed & injured several residents, abducted some people and also rustled a large number of livestock during the attack. This happened despite multiple peace agreements previously reached between the bandits and local leaders.

Given these events, what is the real purpose of these peace deals if they fail to prevent such attacks?

NAF Airstrikes Crush ISWAP Attack in Chibok, Destroy Major Terrorist Camps in Katsina

The Nigerian Air Force has successfully foiled an ISWAP assault in Chibok, Borno State, and destroyed key terrorist hideouts in Katsina during intensified precision air operations. According to NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, coordinated airstrikes under Operations Fansan Yamma and Hadin Kai neutralised scores of insurgents, dismantled fortified camps, and disrupted logistics hubs across Faskari, Kankara, Malumfashi, and Danfako.
In Chibok, NAF aircraft supported ground troops with four targeted strikes that shattered insurgent escape routes and prevented a renewed offensive. The operations highlight the military’s strengthened intelligence-led counterterrorism strategy and its commitment to restoring security nationwide.

Police Disclose Identities of Imam, Worshippers Killed in Zamfara Mosque.

Tragedy struck in Zamfara State on Friday when gunmen stormed a mosque in Yantodon Daji village, Tsafe Local Government Area, killing the Imam and four worshippers during morning prayers.

Three other people were abducted in the raid.

The State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Maikaba, who confirmed the incident, said the attackers deliberately targeted the mosque to provoke public outrage.

“We believe the bandits deployed this method just to draw attention. They have seen the reaction when a mosque was attacked in Malumfashi, Katsina State, and that is why they carried out a similar act here in Zamfara,” Maikaba told journalists.

According to him, the armed men opened fire indiscriminately on worshippers, killing five people before whisking away three others to an unknown destination.

Those killed were identified as:
Sale Dangero, 75
Mamman Yaro, 72
Malam Lawali Bataribas, 67
Malam Jafaru, a retired ASP, 68
Malam Safiyanu, 55

The abducted victims were named as Danyaye Alh. Gambo, Malam Basiru, and Ibrahim Bello.

Maikaba added that preliminary investigations traced the assault to a notorious bandit leader, Bakin Malam, and his loyalists operating around the Makera axis.

He assured residents that security operatives were already on the trail of the attackers and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice

Army Arrest IPOB/ESN Commander, Rescues Kidnap Victims Across States.

The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, alias Gentle de Yahoo, a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, working with other security agencies, captured him at a hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe LGA of Imo State. 

Recovered items included an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, a cartridge, six mobile phones, police and military uniforms, and a German flag. A workshop for dismantling stolen vehicles was also discovered, while 10 motorcycles were destroyed.

Beyond Imo, troops rescued 11 kidnap victims in coordinated operations across Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States.

Five victims were freed in Madagali (Adamawa), five in Malumfashi (Katsina), and one in Lokoja (Kogi). Two terrorist were also killed in Katsina, with troops seizing an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle.

In Benue, soldiers neutralized a violent extremist, recovered charms and a phone, and arrested 11 suspects for armed robbery, gunrunning, and extremism across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna. In Plateau State, 40 stolen cattle were recovered and returned to their owners.

The Army credited these successes to enhanced collaboration with sister security services and agencies.

Nigerian Army Captures Notorious ESN/IPOB Commander, Gentle De Yahoo.

The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo.

Okorienta was captured by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in a joint operation with sister security agencies at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to the military, the operation led to the recovery of a cache of arms and items, including one English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, a cartridge, six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, as well as a German flag.

Troops also uncovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the scene.

Beyond the Imo operation, troops carried out coordinated missions in Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, rescuing 11 kidnap victims. Five persons were freed in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa, another five in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina, while two were rescued in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The Army further reported that two terrorists were neutralised in Katsina, with an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle recovered. In Benue, soldiers killed a violent extremist and seized charms and a mobile phone. Eleven suspects linked to armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremism were also arrested across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States.

Troops in Plateau State recovered 40 rustled cattle, which have since been returned to their owners.

The Nigerian Army credited these successes to sustained collaboration with sister services and security agencies.

Bandit Leader Linked to Katsina Mosque Massacre Spotted at Peace Meeting in Faskari

September 15, 2025

Barely days after allegedly orchestrating the massacre of 32 worshippers at Mantau Mosque in Malumfashi Local Government Area, notorious bandit leader Babaro was seen on Sunday at a peace meeting in Faskari, Katsina State.

The dialogue, convened to ease tensions between armed herders and farming communities, brought together traditional rulers, security representatives, community leaders, and herder group leaders.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama revealed on X that Babaro—long on security watchlists for kidnappings, extortion, and deadly raids—was among those in attendance, raising serious concerns over impunity and governance failures.

For years, Babaro has terrorised communities in Kankara and Malumfashi, leaving trails of abductions, killings, and destruction. His open presence at a high-level forum has sparked outrage among locals still grieving the recent mosque massacre.

Peace meetings of this nature have become common across the northwest, where banditry and farmer-herder violence have displaced thousands. Supporters see dialogue as a path to stability, but critics argue it legitimises violent actors and undermines justice.

As of Sunday night, the Katsina State Government had not commented on reports of Babaro—and other wanted bandit leaders—attending the meeting. For many residents, the development has deepened fears that victims of the massacre may never see justice.

One Dead, 76 Rescued As Troops Destroy Bandit Kingpin’s Hideout In Katsina

Troops have rescued 76 kidnapped victims, including women and children, after a precision airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force targeted the hideout of notorious bandit kingpin Babaro at Pauwa Hill in Kankara LGA, Katsina State.

The Katsina Commissioner for Internal Security, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed that those rescued included victims abducted during the recent attack on Unguwar Mantau, Malumfashi LGA. Sadly, one child was killed during the ordeal.

The operation, conducted between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, was part of intensified joint security efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace in the state.

The government praised the Nigerian Air Force, Army, and other security agencies for their professionalism, pledging continued support through logistics, intelligence, and community engagement.

Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and provide timely information to aid ongoing security operations.

#KatsinaSecurity #NAFOperations #EndBanditry #NigeriaNews

Nigerian Government Vows Justice For 32 Worshippers Killed In Katsina Mosque Attack

The Federal Government has vowed to bring to justice the gunmen who killed at least 32 worshippers in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attackers stormed a mosque on Tuesday, opening fire on congregants during prayers. According to state officials, the assault was in retaliation for an earlier ambush by residents that left some members of the armed group dead.

In a statement, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, condemned the killings as “callous and barbaric,” assuring Nigerians that security forces were already on the trail of the perpetrators.

“Security forces are already on the trail of the criminals, and no stone will be left unturned until they are apprehended and held accountable. Justice will be swift and decisive,” the statement read.

President Bola Tinubu extended condolences to the victims’ families, the Malumfashi community, and the Katsina State government, saying: “Their grief is our grief, and the Government stands with them at this dark hour.”

The minister stressed that the assault was not just an attack on Malumfashi but “an affront to our collective humanity and national values,” reaffirming government’s resolve to intensify the fight against terrorism.

The development comes weeks after the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) announced the arrest of key terrorist leaders, including Mahmud al-Nigeri of the Mahmuda faction, his deputy Abu Abba, and Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Abu Baraa) of the Ansaru group — all previously on the international wanted list.

#KatsinaAttack #NigeriaSecurity #Terrorism #Justice

FG Pledges To Hunt Down Killers Of Worshippers In Katsina

The Federal Government has vowed to bring to justice the perpetrators of Tuesday’s mosque attack in Malumfashi, Katsina State, where at least 32 worshippers were killed.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the attack as “callous and barbaric,” assuring Nigerians that security forces were on the trail of the criminals and justice would be “swift and decisive.”

He added that the incident was not just a crime against the people of Malumfashi but “an assault on our shared humanity.”

President Bola Tinubu extended condolences to the victims’ families, the Katsina State Government, and the Malumfashi community.

The government also highlighted recent counter-terrorism gains, including the arrest of top Ansaru and Mahmuda group leaders, reaffirming its commitment to ensure terrorists find “no hiding place in Nigeria.”

#KatsinaAttack #FGNigeria #Insecurity

Hunter arrested after accidental shooting kills one in Katsina, others hospitalised.

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old hunter, Bashir Bala, for allegedly shooting three people, leading to the death of one person in Malumfashi Local Government Area.

The incident happened on Thursday around 4:10 p.m. at Marabar Kankara, a known hotspot in the area.

According to reports, Bala, who was attached to a local security team, went to the location to buy cannabis.

An argument reportedly broke out, and during the scuffle, he fired his rifle, hitting three civilians.

One person died instantly, while two others sustained injuries and were taken to the General Hospital for treatment. The deceased’s body has been released to his family.

A joint security team made up of the police, army, and vigilantes quickly moved to the scene and arrested the suspect.

The police confirmed that investigations into the incident have already begun, adding that security in the area has been reinforced to prevent further violence.

UPDATED: Katsina Mosque Attack Death Toll Rises To 32

The Katsina State Government has confirmed that the death toll from Monday’s mosque attack in Malumfashi LGA has risen to 32.

A government delegation, led by Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Faskari, visited Unguwar Mantau where the attack occurred. He described the killings as a “deeply painful and heartbreaking tragedy”, assuring residents of strengthened security measures.

The state said the exact number of those kidnapped is still being verified. According to the statement, a swift airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force disrupted the bandits while moving with captives, leading to confusion in which some victims scattered while others were rescued.

Governor Dikko Radda, currently on medical leave, directed Acting Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe to dispatch officials to condole with the bereaved and assess urgent needs.

Meanwhile, angry youths blocked the Malumfashi–Funtua highway on Tuesday, protesting the killings and worsening insecurity, leaving travellers stranded for hours.

Police earlier reported 17 deaths, while a state lawmaker, Aminu Ibrahim, claimed 30 worshippers were killed during dawn prayers. He wept during plenary as he described his constituents’ ordeal, urging for permanent military bases in Karfi and Yaba wards.

Security chiefs, including the Police Commissioner, Army Brigade Commander, and DSS Director, were part of the delegation to Malumfashi.
#KatsinaAttack #MosqueAttack #Banditry #Insecurity #NigeriaNews #Malumfashi

News Brief: Katsina Mosque Attack

The death toll from the mosque attack in Unguwar Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, has risen to 17, according to the state police command. Police spokesperson DSP Abubakar Sadiq confirmed that two of the seven injured victims later died while receiving treatment in hospital.

The attack occurred during Fajr (early morning) prayers, when armed bandits stormed the mosque and opened fire on worshippers. Earlier, police reported 15 killed and seven injured.

However, a lawmaker representing Malumfashi Constituency, Aminu Ibrahim, claimed the number of deaths was as high as 30, raising alarm over worsening insecurity. He appealed for urgent deployment of security personnel to establish permanent bases in Karfi and Yaba wards to protect residents.

The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security, Nasiru Mu’azu, described the incident as a reprisal attack, noting that residents had earlier confronted the bandits, killing several and seizing motorcycles and weapons.

The victims have since been buried in Malumfashi, with traditional, religious, and government leaders attending the funeral.

#Katsina #MosqueAttack #Insecurity #Banditry #NigeriaNews

Blood Flows in Katsina Mosque as Bandits Kill 13 Worshippers

At least 13 worshippers were killed on Wednesday when bandits attacked a mosque in Unguwan Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The victims were observing morning prayers when the gunmen opened fire. The state government confirmed the attack, describing it as a reprisal after locals had earlier ambushed the bandits, killing some and seizing their weapons and motorcycles.

Commissioner for Internal Security, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, said security reinforcements, including the army and police, have been deployed to the area. He praised the community’s resistance efforts and assured that the government remains committed to eliminating banditry.

The government extended condolences to affected families and promised continued support for community-based security initiatives.

#Katsina #SecurityCrisis #Banditry

Bandits Kill 13 Worshippers In Katsina Mosque

Armed bandits attacked a mosque in Unguwan Mantau, Malumfashi LGA of Katsina State, during early morning (Fajr) prayers on Tuesday, killing 13 worshippers.

According to the State Commissioner for Internal Security, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, the assault was a reprisal after residents recently ambushed bandits, killing some, rescuing abducted victims, and seizing weapons.

The state government has deployed security reinforcements, including the army and police, to restore order. Governor Dikko Radda’s administration expressed condolences and pledged continued support for community security initiatives.

#Katsina #Banditry #Security #Nigeria #Insecurity #Malumfashi #UnguwanMantau

Troops Arrest Female Suspect With Military Uniform, Loaded Magazines In Katsina.

It was gathered that the woman was intercepted at a routine checkpoint around 1am while attempting to leave the town under suspicious circumstances.

A joint security operation involving troops of Operation Fansan Yanma has led to the arrest of a female suspect allegedly in possession of military gear and three loaded magazines in Malumfashi town.

It was gathered that the woman was intercepted at a routine checkpoint around 1am while attempting to leave the town under suspicious circumstances.

A thorough search of her belongings reportedly uncovered a military uniform, camouflage trousers, a tactical jacket, multiple mobile phones, and other security-related items, including the loaded ammunition magazines.

Authorities say the items were carefully concealed in her travel bag.

A security source on his X handle on Monday evening stated that the woman is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation, as investigations continue to uncover her network and motives.

While authorities have yet to release the suspect’s identity or any confirmed affiliations, sources involved in the operation suggest she may be connected to a broader syndicate responsible for supplying weapons and military gear to terrorist groups in the region.