A fierce confrontation between security forces and bandits in Katsina State resulted in the deaths of three police officers and two soldiers, alongside the neutralization of 30 bandits, according to a statement from the Katsina State Police Command on July 9, 2025.
The clash occurred late on July 8 in the Kankara Local Government Area, a known hotspot for banditry, where a joint task force of police and military personnel was conducting a clearance operation based on intelligence about a large bandit camp. The operation aimed to disrupt the group’s activities, which have included kidnappings and cattle rustling.
The firefight lasted over four hours, with security forces engaging heavily armed bandits equipped with AK-47 rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. The police reported recovering 15 weapons, 200 rounds of ammunition, and several motorcycles, though the exact number of injured personnel remains unclear pending a full assessment.
Governor Dikko Radda expressed condolences to the families of the fallen officers and soldiers, pledging support and vowing to intensify security measures. Local residents hailed the operation’s success but raised concerns about the high casualty rate among security personnel, urging the deployment of additional resources. The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of banditry in northern Nigeria, with authorities planning a follow-up operation.