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Tag: Katsina State

  • Police Deny Banditry Allegations in Viral Katsina Checkpoint Video

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has rejected allegations that a viral video from Katsina State showed police officers allowing armed bandits to pass through a checkpoint, describing the claims as false and misleading.

    In a statement issued on June 24, 2026, the Force said the individuals seen in the footage were not bandits but members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters working with security agencies in Katsina State.

    Police Clarify Identities in Viral Video

    The clarification followed widespread circulation of a video that sparked public outrage after social media users alleged that police officers were openly interacting with armed bandits at a checkpoint.

    According to the Force, the armed men captured in the video were community security volunteers supporting ongoing operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of the state.

    Police said the footage merely showed a routine interaction between an officer and the volunteers as they moved to a designated operational area.

    NPF Condemns Misinformation

    The Force accused those behind the allegations of deliberately distorting facts to create panic and undermine public confidence in security institutions.

    It said the narrative attached to the video was intended to mislead Nigerians and frustrate ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in affected communities.

    “The individuals featured in the video are not bandits. They are duly recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters actively supporting security operations,” the statement said.

    Warning Against False Information

    The police warned individuals and groups against circulating unverified information capable of threatening public peace and security.

    It noted that legal action could be taken against those found deliberately spreading false information.

    The Force also urged Nigerians to rely on official communication channels for accurate information regarding security operations and developments across the country.

    Commitment to Community Policing

    The NPF reiterated its commitment to working with legitimate community-based security groups and other stakeholders to combat crime and protect lives.

    The statement was signed by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu.

     

  • Troops Launch ‘Operation Clean Sweep III’ in Katsina After Death of Retired General Rabe Abubakar

    The Defence Headquarters has launched a major military offensive in Katsina State following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife by suspected bandits.

    The operation, codenamed “Operation Clean Sweep III,” began on Sunday, June 14, under the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, and is targeted at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks operating in parts of the state.

    Military Intensifies Offensive

    According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operation is focused on tracking down those responsible for the abduction and death of the retired military officer.

    The military said troops have been deployed to conduct intensive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations, and clearance missions across identified criminal hideouts.

    Major targets include the Dikkawa Hills and nearby communities such as Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa, where several suspected terrorist camps and logistics bases have reportedly been destroyed.

    General’s Death Triggers Fresh Action

    Major General Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, was kidnapped with his wife on May 30, 2026.

    His death in captivity drew widespread condemnation across the country and renewed concerns over insecurity in the North-West.

    The military said the latest operation is part of efforts to restore security in affected communities and ensure those behind the crime are brought to justice.

    Residents Asked to Support Security Agencies

    Operation Fansan Yamma urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence.

    The military assured citizens that all information shared would be treated confidentially and pledged to sustain pressure on criminal groups until the operation’s objectives are achieved.

    Troops Repel Terrorist Attack in Borno

    In a separate development, troops of the 3 Battalion under Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP and JAS fighters on a military position in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The attack, which occurred in the early hours of June 12, was foiled after troops responded with sustained firepower supported by mortar and artillery units.

    The military said one soldier sustained injuries and is receiving treatment, while several items, including unexploded RPG-7 ordnance, were recovered from the scene.

  • Katsina Govt Approves ₦3.8bn Loan to Secure 3,890 Hajj Slots for Pilgrims

    The Katsina State Government has approved a ₦3.8 billion loan facility to secure 3,890 Hajj slots for intending pilgrims from the state ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

    Governor Dikko Radda disclosed this during the official farewell ceremony for Katsina pilgrims departing for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Radda Explains Reason for Loan Approval

    According to the governor, the intervention became necessary after the state encountered financial difficulties in meeting its allocated Hajj slots through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

    The Katsina State governor stated that the loan approval would ensure that all allocated pilgrims from the state participate fully in the 2026 Hajj exercise.

    The Katsina Hajj loan approval has already attracted attention in latest Nigerian news as discussions continue around government spending and pilgrimage welfare.

    Pilgrims to Receive $500 Allowance

    Governor Dikko Radda also announced several welfare packages for intending pilgrims from the state.

    According to him, each pilgrim will receive a $500 allowance to assist with basic needs during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

    He further disclosed that the Katsina State Government would sponsor Hadaya for all pilgrims as part of measures to improve their welfare throughout the Hajj exercise.

    “Each pilgrim will receive a $500 allowance to cover basic needs in Saudi Arabia,” Radda stated.

    200 Officials Deployed for Hajj Operations

    The governor also revealed that 200 officials had been deployed to provide medical support, spiritual guidance, and logistical assistance during the pilgrimage.

    “All officials have been carefully selected and equipped to support pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage,” he said.

    Radda added that his administration had strengthened the operations of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board to improve efficiency and reduce challenges experienced in previous exercises.

    The latest Katsina Hajj update has continued trending in breaking news Nigeria today as preparations intensify for the 2026 pilgrimage.

    Governor Urges Discipline Among Pilgrims

    Governor Radda urged intending pilgrims to pray for peace, unity, and improved security in Katsina State and Nigeria while in the Holy Land.

    He also advised pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid spreading misinformation during the pilgrimage exercise.

    “Many people sold personal belongings to perform Hajj. You are expected to show the highest level of discipline, patience, and mutual respect,” the governor said.

    Radda further stated that his administration had improved accommodation and feeding arrangements for Katsina pilgrims in Saudi Arabia after personally inspecting facilities during previous Hajj operations.

  • Bandits Strike Katsina Communities, Kill Over 20 as Troops Neutralise 45 in Fierce Gun Battle

    At least 24 people have been killed in fresh bandit attacks on communities in Katsina State, with security forces also recording a major breakthrough after neutralising dozens of suspected terrorists.

    The incidents, which hit Musawa and Kankia local government areas, have deepened fears over rising insecurity in the region.

    Market attack leaves traders dead

    The first attack occurred on Monday evening at Jikamshi market in Musawa LGA, where gunmen reportedly stormed the area as traders were closing for the day.

    Witnesses said about 15 armed men on motorcycles opened fire, killing at least seven people and looting goods worth millions of naira.

    Local sources confirmed that the victims were buried according to Islamic rites, describing the incident as devastating.

    “The scale of the attack is enormous. The situation is beyond the state government alone,” a community leader said.

    Families recount painful losses

    Among the victims was Tukur Aliyu, who had just returned from Lagos after attending his daughter’s wedding.

    Family members said he left behind three wives, about 20 children, and several dependents.

    “Our lives are in danger now. He was our breadwinner… we don’t know how we will survive,” one of his wives said.

    Another victim, Rabi’u Ashiru, a phone trader, was killed in his shop just months before his planned wedding.

    His father described the loss as devastating, saying, “We have lost a pillar of the family.”

    Conflicting death toll after village attack

    In a separate incident, residents of Gwalgoro village in Kankia LGA reported that 17 people were killed in an attack over the weekend.

    However, the Katsina State government put the figure at 11, describing the killings as a reprisal after security forces foiled an earlier assault.

    A resident insisted the casualty figure was higher, saying, “Death is not something you exaggerate. We buried 17 people.”

    Security forces engage bandits

    According to officials, the violence began after intelligence reports revealed that a bandit leader identified as Mohammadu was advancing towards key locations in the area.

    Security operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, engaged the attackers, neutralising several of them and recovering motorcycles and rustled cattle.

    Authorities said the bandits later regrouped and launched a retaliatory attack on Gwalgoro village.

    Troops record major success in Danmusa

    Amid the attacks, troops reportedly neutralised 45 terrorists during a separate gun battle in Danmusa Local Government Area.

    The operation is being seen as a significant counter-effort, though residents say more needs to be done to prevent recurring attacks.

    Growing concern over insecurity

    Residents and community leaders have called for urgent intervention, warning that continued violence could trigger a humanitarian crisis.

    Many women and children have already fled affected areas, seeking safety in nearby towns.