From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Government has boosted its security infrastructure with the deployment of eight brand-new APC armored vehicles, aimed at enhancing operational capacity and mobility in the state’s most vulnerable areas.
Katsina State Acting Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens, following the recent bandit attack in Gidan Mantau, Karfi Ward, Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Speaking after a State Security Council meeting, the Acting Governor described the incident as “sad and unfortunate” but assured that the government would continue to act decisively to protect lives and property.
He highlighted the state’s heavy investment in security infrastructure, personnel training, and community-based initiatives such as the Community Watch and local Vigilante programs, which have successfully secured four of the state’s eight frontline local governments—Jibia, Batsari, Safana, and Dan Musa.
“The battle against banditry is not over until it is won,” Governor Jobe stressed. “We will not be distracted by the cowardly actions of these criminals who attack innocent citizens in the early hours of the day. We commend the courage of local communities who resisted and overpowered the attackers, ensuring their efforts to disrupt peace failed.”
He confirmed that 76 kidnapped individuals were rescued early Thursday morning, in addition to others who managed to escape during the abduction attempts.
Governor Jobe also pointed to ongoing collaboration with the federal government, noting that members of the National Assembly recently engaged with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff to secure additional personnel and resources. He announced that the Chief of Army Staff is expected in Katsina tomorrow for an on-the-ground assessment of security needs.
“Most bandits have now retreated into the bush, and given the difficult terrain, we require continued support from both the Nigerian Army and the Air Force. With timely intelligence from our local communities, we have successfully rescued victims and will sustain these operations until Katsina is secure,” he said.
The Acting Governor urged citizens to remain confident, declaring: “We will not be distracted. Our resolve is firm, and we will continue until Katsina State is safe for all.”
Following the meeting, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Muazu Danmusa, briefed journalists. He expressed sympathy for the victims and commended the coordinated security response.
“We sympathize with our brothers and sisters in Unguwar Mantau, Karfi Ward, Malumfashi. We witnessed a tragic incident that requires all hands on deck. We recorded 28 casualties, but we thank God for enabling our security agencies to rescue 72 captives from the bandits,” he said.
The Commissioner also underscored the scale of government investment in security. “Banditry is a dangerous phenomenon requiring both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.
The Executive Governor has demonstrated his resolve, investing over ₦36 billion in security. Katsina now boasts one of the highest numbers of security assets in the region, with 43 APC armored personnel carriers, including the eight newly delivered vehicles.”
Danmusa further emphasized the role of community participation: “Security is a community-driven effort. We urge everyone to contribute to this noble cause.
“Our doors remain open to anyone willing to assist, and we remain committed to transparency in all our security investments,” he concluded.
