Armed bandits have killed two police officers, four civilians, and kidnapped at least five people in separate attacks on Unguwar Baki village and Sheme town, both in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the first attack occurred on February 27, 2025 at about 5:30 p.m. when about 200 heavily armed bandits stormed Unguwar Baki village, firing sporadically.
The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, the police and the vigilante and swiftly mobilized to engage the attackers in a fierce gun battle. The security forces forced the bandits to retreat into the bush, but not before suffering casualties.
Among the fallen security personnel were Inspector Mainasara Usman (and Corporal Abubakar Iliyasu of the 27 Police Mobile Force (PMF), who were on special duty at Kadisau village.
The attackers carted away one AK-47 rifle and one Type 06 rifle along with 60 rounds of live ammunition.
Additionally, four civilians, including Jibrin Yahuza, a staff member of the Katsina State Water Corporation (KSCWC), were k!lled in the attack.
Intelligence sources revealed that the bandits also suffered heavy losses as they fled with several dead bodies on their motorcycles.
“The bandits faced strong resistance from security forces, and many of them were neutralized.
“Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing criminals and recover the stolen rifles,” said a security source involved in the battle.
In a separate attack on Sheme town, bandits armed with sophisticated weapons stormed the community around 1:50 a.m. on February 28, firing indiscriminately.
The joint operatives were again deployed to counter the attack.
Upon sighting security forces, the bandits fled into the nearby Shawu Forest, taking at least five kidnapped victims with them.
During the exchange, a local vigilante member, Ado Isiyaku, 40, sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and was rushed to Sheme Primary Health Center, where he is responding to treatment.
Meanwhile, the commander of the local vigilante group, Hassan Bajoga Sheme, 45, has been declared missing, with security forces launching a search-and-rescue operation to locate him.
Authorities have assured residents that efforts are being intensified to track down the attackers and rescue the abducted victims.
“We are actively pursuing the criminals. Additional troops have been deployed, and we will ensure these terrorists face justice.” he said.
