18 killed as bandits, local vigilance group clash in Katsina

No fewer than 18 persons have been killed following a violent clash between suspected repentant bandits and local vigilance group in Falale Village, Daddara District of Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, reportedly began around 1:30 p.m. when members of local vigilance groupnon patrol intercepted three suspected repentant bandits, leading to a gun duel.

According to preliminary reports, the three suspects were killed during the encounter, triggering a reprisal attack by armed bandits on the community.

Confirming the incident, Nasir Mua’zu, State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said the clash affected Falale and neighbouring Kadobe Village.

“The incident resulted in the loss of 15 lives, but security forces have since restored order and stabilised the situation”, he said.

He added that the initial confrontation between vigilance group and the suspected repentant bandits escalated into a broader attack on the community.

“The vigilantes (vigilance group) from the affected villages engaged repentant bandits, resulting in casualties of three. The incident triggered a violent reprisal that claimed additional lives in the communities,” Mua’zu stated.

He said the security agencies, including the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Civilian Watch Corps, and community leaders had intervened promptly to contain the situation.

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According to him, “This collaborative effort demonstrates the strength of our security partnership and community engagement. The joint operation prevented further loss of life and restored peace to the affected villages,” he said.

The State government therefore appealed for calm, assuring affected communities of its commitment to justice and sustained security. “We understand the pain and loss experienced by the families affected. We are committed to ensuring justice and preventing future incidents,” Mua’zu said.

He noted that the Jibia Local Government Area had enjoyed relative peace over the past year due to ongoing security measures, urging residents to sustain cooperation with security agencies.

In a related statement, the Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Shehu Bello has condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric,” and assured that an investigation had commenced.

This is contained in a statement by DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the Command Public Relations Officer and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.

The statement read, Falale Village attack: Normalcy restored; Police call for calm as investigation commenced.

“On 17th March, 2026, at about 1200hrs, based on a preliminary report, a tragic incident occurred in Falale village, Jibia LGA, Katsina State, where a group of vigilantes, while on patrol along Falale village, Jibia LGA, intercepted and engaged 3 suspected repentant bandits in a gunfight, resulting in the neutralisation of the 3 suspects.

“Following this incident, a group of suspected armed bandits launched a reprisal attack on the village, leading to the death of 15 persons.

“Upon receipt of the report, a joint team of security operatives mobilised and responded to the scene, where normalcy was restored to the affected village. Investigation into the matter with a view to identifying and arresting the perpetrators has since commenced.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, while condoling with the families of the affected persons, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric. He urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with the command as the investigation commenced. He further urged members of the public with useful information that may aid in the investigation to kindly come forward and assist.

“Further developments will be communicated in due course, please”, the statement noted.

Katsina State, like other parts of North-West Nigeria, has continued to witness attacks by armed bandits, often targeting rural communities, resulting in killings, kidnappings and displacement of residents.