The Katsina State Government has announced a major breakthrough in its ongoing battle against banditry and kidnapping, following a successful joint military operation that led to the neutralization of notorious bandit kingpin, Gwaska, along with over 100 of his followers.
The decisive operation, carried out on Friday by operatives of the Nigerian Army’s 17th Brigade and the 213 Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Air Force, targeted criminal hideouts in Mununu Bakai, Zango, Jeka Arera, Malali, and Ruwan Godiya — areas spread across Kankara and Faskari local government areas.
Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the development in a statement released Friday, describing the strike as a “significant disruption” of the armed criminal networks that have plagued several local councils, including Faskari, Kankara, Bakori, Malumfashi, and Kafur.
During the operation, security forces dismantled multiple bandit camps and recovered weapons, including two machine guns and several locally fabricated shotguns, which were later destroyed to prevent further use.
In a separate but coordinated effort, security operatives also intercepted a group of fleeing bandits along Dutsen Wori by Dandume-Kandamba Road, near the outskirts of Dandume town. The early morning strike at approximately 3:45 a.m. led to the elimination of six additional bandits, including their commander, while several others sustained injuries and fled the scene.
Seven motorcycles used by the bandits were recovered during the pursuit, which traced the criminals back to their base at the Maigora/Doroyi camp in Faskari LGA.
Dr. Mua’zu emphasized that no casualties were recorded among the security personnel, and he praised the synergy between the Army and the Air Force, calling it a “model of effective collaboration in the fight to reclaim our communities from the grip of terror.”
The state government reiterated its commitment to supporting security agencies with the resources needed to ensure lasting peace in Katsina.
