By Seyi Odewale, with additional report
Armed bandits have reportedly carried out coordinated night attacks on several communities in Katsina State, abducting an unspecified number of residents and leaving widespread fear in their wake.
Eyewitnesses told Channels Television via telephone on Tuesday that the attacks occurred late Monday night, when heavily armed assailants stormed the affected areas and operated unhindered for several hours.
Security sources said the attackers first struck Unguwar Alhaji Barau before moving on to Gidan Dan Mai-gizo and Gidan Hazo communities, all within Na’alma Ward of Malumfashi Local Government Area.
As of Tuesday, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement, and the exact number of abducted persons or possible casualties could not be confirmed.
When contacted, the spokesman of the Katsina State Police Command, Abubakar Sadiq, said he was not immediately aware of the incident but promised to verify the reports and provide feedback.
Malumfashi is regarded as one of the flashpoint local government areas in Katsina State, where bandit attacks have continued despite recent peace agreements between local authorities and armed groups operating in the area.
The latest incident comes against the backdrop of heightened insecurity in the council, following a deadly attack on a mosque in Unguwar Mantau community on August 19, 2025, which underscored the fragile security situation in the area.
*Bomb scare as farmers find explosives on Niger farmland paths
Residents of Ganaru community in the Zugurma District of Mashegu Local Government Area, Niger State, averted potential tragedy on Tuesday after farmers discovered three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along footpaths leading to their farmlands.
The devices were noticed by villagers on their way to work, prompting an immediate alert to security agencies.
The area was swiftly cordoned off, preventing casualties or property damage.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Mashegu Local Government, Alhaji Jibrin Egade, described the discovery as “shocking and unusual,” and praised the vigilance of community members for acting promptly.
The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adamu Elleman, also confirmed the development, stating that police bomb disposal experts were deployed to the scene and that the situation had been brought under control.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Shaibu, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to tackling terrorism, banditry, and other security threats across Niger State and beyond.
Speaking at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff Conference at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Minna, he said the military was acting on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to apprehend criminals.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu added that troops would be deployed nationwide, with increased use of technology to enhance operational effectiveness.
The annual TRADOC conference provides a platform to assess ongoing military operations and refine strategies. The Commander of TRADOC, Maj. Gen. Peter Malla said the forum was key to building a modern, agile Nigerian Army capable of responding to evolving security challenges.
