Seven villagers killed in Katsina attack as two policemen die in Kaduna rescue operation

• Notorious kingpin Kachallah Muhammad linked to Sayaya attack hours after troop withdrawal; nine kidnap victims rescued before police lose officers in ambush

At least seven people were killed on Thursday when armed bandits attacked Sayaya community in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, while two police officers lost their lives during an operation to rescue kidnapped victims in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The separate attacks underscore the persistent security challenges facing rural communities in Nigeria’s North-West, where armed groups continue to carry out deadly raids despite ongoing military operations.

The latest incident in Katsina occurred in Sayaya community, where witnesses said gunmen invaded the village in the early hours of Thursday, firing sporadically and causing widespread panic as residents fled their homes. Residents described the incident as one of the most brutal attacks in recent months, saying it shattered the fragile calm the community had begun to enjoy after the deployment of security forces to the area. “We were asleep when we heard heavy gunshots,” a resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, told Daily Trust. “People were screaming, children were crying, and everyone was running in different directions. By the time the gunmen left, seven of our people were lying lifeless.”

The victims were identified as Lawal Chiki, Abdullahi Mustapha, Yalili Mai Ruwa, Isau Maharba, Salma Tasi’u, and Ibrahim Uncle, who was said to be mentally ill, along with a seventh victim whose identity could not be immediately confirmed. The victims, comprising six men and one woman, reportedly included farmers and traders who had hoped to resume normal life after weeks of relative peace.

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Locals alleged that the attackers were led by a notorious bandit kingpin, Kachallah Muhammad Fulani, whose name has long been linked to deadly raids and abductions across Matazu and neighbouring communities. “This is the same man who has terrorised our villages for years. He is the one who abducted Major General Rabe and his wife. Anytime we hear his name, we know trouble is coming,” another resident, Alaramma Jibrin, said. The retired general later died in captivity, sparking public outrage and renewed calls for intensified action against banditry. Residents linked the renewed violence to the recent withdrawal of troops attached to Operation Fansan Yamma, alleging that the attackers returned almost immediately after soldiers pulled out. “When the soldiers were here, we could sleep peacefully. But once they left, the bandits came back with more aggression. It feels like we have been abandoned,” a community elder said.

Residents further alleged that the same group recently blocked the Karaduwa–Rimaye road in broad daylight, abducting travellers and assaulting others without resistance. “They stopped vehicles on the road as if it were their territory. People were beaten, some were taken away, and nobody could help,” a commuter, Sulaiman Sale Sayaya, said.

In Matazu town, thousands of mourners gathered for funeral prayers held at the residence of the chairman of Matazu Local Government Area, Hon. Shamsuddeen Muhammad Sayaya (Sarkin Yakin Matazu II), in Sha’iskawa. The funeral prayer was led by Imam Malam Lawal and attended by the deputy chairman of Matazu Local Government Area, Hon. Abubakar Sulaiman, elected councillors, traditional leaders, and residents from across the area. Following the prayers, the victims were buried at the Sha’iskawa cemetery amid grief and mourning by family members, friends, and residents. Many families have reportedly fled Sayaya community for safer locations in Matazu town and neighbouring areas. “We cannot stay and wait to be killed,” a displaced woman said while relocating with her children. “At least in town, we can sleep without hearing gunshots.” A farmer added, “Our farms are there, but our lives are more important. If we go to the bush, we may not return.”

Residents appealed to the state and federal governments to take urgent and sustained action, warning that temporary deployments and short-term operations would not bring lasting peace. “We do not want temporary peace,” a community leader stressed. “We want a permanent solution. We want to live without fear. We want our children to sleep at home, not run for their lives.”

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When contacted, the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said the command had yet to verify the incident and promised to provide an update, but no further response had been received as of the time of reporting. Several phone calls and text messages sent to the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa, were neither answered nor acknowledged as of press time.

Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, security operatives rescued nine kidnapped victims during an operation in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area after a gun battle that forced suspected bandits to abandon their captives and flee into the bush. The Kaduna State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan. According to the statement, the victims were abducted on Wednesday while working on their farms around Unguwan Sa’idu village, located a few kilometres from Birnin Gwari town.

The command said credible intelligence received at about 12:45 p.m. indicated that about 15 armed bandits, wielding sophisticated weapons, were operating in the area and had taken several people hostage. Following the report, the Area Commander of Birnin Gwari and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) mobilised patrol teams, including personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVIS), and moved to the scene to rescue the victims. Police said the operatives encountered the bandits on arrival and engaged them in a fierce gun battle, forcing the criminals to flee on motorcycles into the surrounding bush. “The team launched a hot pursuit, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and flee for safety,” the statement said.

The rescued victims were identified as Hudu Rabiu, 31; Yusuf Sagir, 20; Sagir Rabiu, 17; Muhammad Kabir, 23; Kabir Lawal, 20; Idris Abubakar, 17; Mustapha Zayyanu, 18; Kabiru Rabiu, 18; and Usman Lawal, 18. According to the command, the victims were found tied with ropes and abandoned by their abductors during the chase. They were rescued unharmed and later reunited with their families.

Tragedy, however, struck while the operatives were returning from the operation. The police said suspected bandits, believed to have laid an ambush along the route, opened fire on the security team, leaving two officers with fatal gunshot wounds. The officers later died in the line of duty. Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commiserated with the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased officers. He described their sacrifice as a testament to the courage, dedication, and selflessness of security personnel who risk their lives daily to protect citizens. The commissioner said the command would continue to honour the memory of the fallen officers and remain committed to tackling insecurity across the state. He added that investigations and tactical operations were ongoing to track down the attackers and bring them to justice.

The fresh incidents have renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in Nigeria’s North-West, with residents calling for sustained military deployments and long-term measures to restore peace to the region.

Seven villagers killed in Katsina attack as two policemen die in Kaduna rescue operation