Katsina

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

An investigation by Katsina Times has revealed that retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, abducted by bandits on Saturday, May 30, is currently being held by a well-known bandit leader identified as Kachalla Muhammadu, who operates in the Matazu area.

Multiple sources confirmed to the newspaper that the attack was carried out by a bandit group known as KB near Zakin Baure village, close to Matazu town. During the assault, the assailants abducted the retired general along with his wife.

According to the sources, the kidnappers were initially unaware of General Abubakar’s identity. Their primary objective was to capture a senior government official or a wealthy individual to demand ransom.

After the KB group seized the couple, the general was handed over to Kachalla Muhammadu, who is now believed to be holding him at an undisclosed hideout.

Kachalla Muhammadu, a young man under 30 years of age, hails from Sayaya district in Matazu Local Government Area. He comes from a settlement known as Kogon Maidawa, where his parents and other relatives still reside.

In the past, Kachalla Muhammadu was among the bandits who accepted a peace agreement with the government. In an audio recording that once circulated on social media, he stated that since embracing peace, he had been working to protect communities in the local government areas of Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, and Charanchi from bandit attacks.

However, in the same recording, he expressed dissatisfaction with the peace deal after soldiers from Kano State raided the Jikamshi market, arresting some of his men and seizing his cattle. He alleged that despite his efforts, neither his men nor his livestock were returned.

Sources said the military raid was carried out without the approval of security agencies or the Katsina State Government. According to the reports, it was after this incident that Kachalla Muhammadu resumed launching severe attacks in the area. He is accused of leading an assault on Jikamshi town, which resulted in the loss of many lives.

Negotiations are currently ongoing with Kachalla Muhammadu to secure the safe release of the retired major general, sources confirmed.

Authorities in Katsina State have continued to take measures and hold consultations to address the deteriorating security situation and restore peace following this abduction and other recent challenges in the region.

By Uzair Adam

Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife have been abducted by bandits along the Matazu axis of Katsina State.

Sources said the retired military officer was travelling to Katsina with his wife when armed men intercepted their vehicle and carried out the attack.

His driver reportedly escaped despite sustaining gunshot injuries, while the retired General and his wife were taken away by the attackers into a nearby forest.

A video circulating on social media showed the victims’ vehicle parked inside the Matazu Divisional Police Headquarters.

The red Peugeot 504 car bore at least two bullet holes, indicating the intensity of the attack.

The incident marks the second high-profile kidnapping involving a retired senior military officer in Katsina within two years.

In 2025, Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was abducted and spent 56 days in captivity before regaining freedom.

Despite ongoing security operations, Katsina State continues to grapple with recurring attacks by armed groups.

The latest abduction came barely a day after bandits attacked Kiliya village in Dutsinma Local Government Area, killing at least 16 residents.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community shortly after Juma’at prayers as residents gathered to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

A resident who witnessed the attack said panic broke out when the gunmen arrived, forcing many villagers to flee for safety.

According to him, the assailants initially ordered residents to stop running before moving towards a mechanic’s house, where they suddenly opened fire on people in the area.

The witness said he survived by hiding inside a nearby house and later emerged to find several victims lying dead.

He added that some of those killed were his relatives, including uncles and cousins.

The attack triggered a mass exodus from the village, with hundreds of residents reportedly fleeing to neighbouring Bagagadi and Radda communities.

Several people remain unaccounted for, raising concerns that the casualty figure could increase.

Residents also reported that some victims were discovered on surrounding farmlands, suggesting that farmers working in the area may have been caught in the attack.

By Uzair Adam

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed grief over a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of 12 persons along the Kano–Katsina highway.

The fatal crash occurred on Monday night at Gidan Mutum Daya and involved a head-on collision between a trailer and a vehicle operating under a Public–Private Partnership arrangement with the Katsina State Transport Authority.

According to reports, six victims, including the driver, died instantly at the scene, while another six later lost their lives while receiving treatment at the hospital.

Two injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment at Katsina General Hospital, while five others who sustained minor injuries have been treated and discharged.

Governor Radda described the incident as heartbreaking, saying the state had lost valuable citizens in a painful and unfortunate circumstance.

He noted that the tragedy happened during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, a sacred period in Islam, which has further deepened the sorrow among grieving families and the Muslim community.

“We have lost precious lives in a heartbreaking and unfortunate circumstance. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and has plunged our state into mourning,” the governor said.

Radda prayed for Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant them Al-Jannah Firdaus, while also asking God to give their families the strength and patience to bear the loss.

He further urged motorists to obey traffic regulations and exercise caution on highways to prevent similar incidents.

The governor also extended condolences to the families of the victims, the management and staff of the Katsina State Transport Authority, and all those affected by the tragedy.

The Katsina State Police Command has apprehended 26 suspected miscreants during a late-night operation aimed at improving security in the state capital.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, made this known in a statement released on Friday in Katsina. He said the arrests took place in the early hours of April 14 after officers carried out an intelligence-led raid on identified criminal hideouts and black spots across the metropolis.

“The operation, led by the Officer-in-Charge of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, focused on dismantling gangs linked to public disturbances and unlawful activities,” he explained.

According to the police, the suspects are linked to offences that include gang-related activities and acts that disturb public peace.

Sadiq-Aliyu said officers recovered several items during the operation. These include live ammunition, a sword, two cutlasses, a knife, sticks, a saw, and six mobile phones suspected to be stolen. Other items include substances believed to be Indian hemp, 500 Exol tablets, and a pair of military camouflage shirts.

“All the 26 suspects have been charged to court following the conclusion of investigations,” Sadiq-Aliyu stated.

The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, commended the officers involved in the raid. He also reaffirmed the command’s resolve to continue actions against criminal elements in the state.

He called on residents to support the police with timely and useful information to help prevent crime and improve public safety.

Reports indicate that on the same day, April 14, Governor Dikko Radda signed an executive order that bans thuggery, known locally as Kauraye and Sara-suka, across the Katsina metropolis.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Jeri community in Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State have been thrown into distress after bandits launched a prolonged attack on the area.

The incident, which occurred on March 27, 2026, involved armed men moving from one house to another and looting valuables without interruption for nearly two hours.

Security analyst Bakatsine disclosed the development in a post shared on X on Friday, where he gave details of the attack.

“Bandits carried out a house-to-house raid in Jeri community, Kusada LGA of Katsina State, operating for nearly two hours,” he stated.

During the operation, the attackers reportedly made away with mobile phones, cash, and cattle belonging to residents.

“Phones, cash and cattle worth millions were taken,” Bakatsine added.

Despite the scale of the attack, there were no reported deaths or abductions.

The incident has, however, sparked fresh concerns over security in the area. This comes amid recent efforts by authorities to restore peace in parts of Katsina State.

Bakatsine also pointed out that the attack occurred only weeks after a peace agreement was said to have been reached with bandits in Kankia Local Government Area.

“This incident raises fresh concerns about the effectiveness of the peace deal struck with bandits in Kankia LGA just weeks ago,” he said.

By Uzair Adam

Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 17 Brigade, Katsina, have recovered 529 rustled livestock following a gun battle with suspected terrorists in Kafur Local Government Area of the state.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, Capt. Abayomi Adisa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

According to him, the operation was carried out by troops of the Forward Operating Base, Malumfashi, after credible intelligence revealed terrorist activities around Kasuwan Sabo in Kafur LGA.

He said the operation, conducted on February 7, 2026, was led by the Commanding Officer of FOB Malumfashi, Lt. Col. M. M. Isa, and targeted terrorists believed to have infiltrated Katsina from neighbouring Zamfara State.

Adisa added that the criminals were allegedly led by Idi Abasu Aiki, said to be a younger brother of notorious bandit leader, Ado Aliero.

He explained that the terrorists opened fire upon sighting the advancing troops, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

However, the soldiers responded with superior firepower, forcing the assailants to flee into nearby bushes while abandoning part of the stolen livestock.

“The troops immediately launched a hot pursuit and caught up with the fleeing terrorists between Burdugau and Unguwan Matau villages in Malumfashi LGA, where the criminals were forced to abandon all the remaining rustled animals,” he said.

After a thorough sweep of the area, the troops recovered 529 animals, comprising 290 cows, 238 sheep and one donkey, as well as one motorcycle.

Adisa noted that 14 cows were killed during the exchange of fire after the terrorists allegedly used them as shields.

He stressed that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation, describing their conduct as professional and effective.

The recovered animals, he said, were handed over to relevant authorities for identification and eventual return to their rightful owners, under the supervision of the Chairman of Kafur LGA, Suraju Nature, and the Divisional Police Officer, Superintendent of Police Aminu Salihu.

Adisa further disclosed that the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen.

Paul Koughna, commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism, while reassuring residents of sustained military operations against criminal elements in the area.

He added that troops of FOB Malumfashi have continued aggressive patrols to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure lasting security in the area.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Doma community in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State have been thrown into renewed fear after armed bandits carried out a fresh attack on the area, despite a peace and surrender agreement earlier reached between local authorities and armed groups operating there.

It was gathered on Tuesday that the attackers arrived in Doma in large numbers, opened fire on residents, and set several houses and vehicles on fire.

According to a report by an online Nigerian newspaper, SaharaReporters, the incident has unsettled the community, especially as it came after a reported peace agreement between stakeholders in Faskari Local Government Area and bandit leaders. The deal was expected to end hostilities and encourage displaced residents to return to their homes.

A Katsina-based security expert, Bakatsine, confirmed the development and warned that the attack was still ongoing in Doma and nearby communities within Faskari LGA.

Bakatsine raised concerns over the safety of civilians and appealed for immediate security intervention in the area.

“Urgent deployment of security forces is needed to Doma and surrounding communities in Faskari LGA to protect civilians, stop the ongoing violence, and prevent further loss of lives and property,” the alert stated. “Immediate action could save lives.”

At the time of filing this report, there were concerns that casualties may have been recorded. However, the exact number of those killed or injured could not be independently verified.

Faskari Local Government Area remains one of the areas most affected by insecurity in Katsina State, with years of persistent bandit attacks, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and large-scale displacement of residents.

On September 17, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that a known bandit commander, Isya Akwashi Garwa, who was armed with an AK-47 and ammunition, released 28 abducted persons in the local government area after a peace arrangement.

Those released were mostly residents of Mairua, Kanen-haki, and Yar Dabaru communities, who had spent weeks in captivity.

Local authorities later confirmed that the release followed reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring peace and reducing violence in the area.

A security source, Zagazola Makama, also revealed on X that community leaders in Faskari welcomed the development and described it as a positive step. They urged all parties involved to sustain the “peace process.”

The leaders also appealed to the bandit commander to persuade other armed groups still carrying out attacks in the area to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A pregnant woman identified as Aisha Najamu has died at the Turai Umaru Musa Yar’adua Maternity and Children Hospital in Katsina State after a health worker allegedly refused to accept a bank transfer for oxygen, insisting on cash payment.

The incident reportedly happened on Monday. The woman was said to have been rushed to the hospital in a life-threatening condition and required oxygen immediately.

A popular Nigerian TV station reported on Friday that an eyewitness claimed the cashier on duty declined to process the payment because the patient did not have cash.

The witness said the cashier told them that “the hospital’s internal rule” did not allow bank transfers.

A man who attempted to intervene allegedly begged the cashier to take a transfer since the woman needed urgent help.

According to the report, the cashier insisted that “hospital policy strictly forbade bank transfers and that staff must abide by the directive.”

The eyewitness added that he offered to add extra money out of sympathy. He later presented a $100 note to settle the bill, yet the cashier still refused to accept the payment. He described the moment as heartbreaking and said the woman cried for help until she passed away around 11:30 p.m.

Hospital authorities, when reached for comment, said they had not received a formal complaint from the public about the matter.

The hospital’s representative, Cashier Aminu Kofar-Bai, extended condolences to the family and stated that management would reach out to them.

He also promised an investigation into the conduct of any staff member who might be responsible.However, hospital officials defended their payment system.

They maintained that the Katsina State Government’s TSA guidelines prevent staff from accepting bank transfers into personal accounts. They also explained that the hospital lacks POS machines and operates strictly on cash transactions.

By Anas Abbas

A newly married woman, Zainab Muhammad, has allegedly killed her husband, Abubakar Abdurrahman, barely 3 days after their wedding in Jibia, Katsina State.

The couple reportedly tied the knot on Thursday afternoon in the Jibia area of Katsina state.

However, according to a neighbor, the tragic incident occurred yesterday afternoon when Zainab allegedly slaughtered her groom.

The neighbor who spoke to The Daily Reality said the shocking incident happened inside the couple’s residence, throwing the community into confusion.

Speaking on the cause, the ward head told our reporter that the suspect had been battling what he described as “jinn/[demons]-related problems,” which he believes may have influenced her actions.

He noted that community members were aware of her condition prior to the incident.

Abubakar’s remains were buried yesterday at about 5 p.m. according to Islamic rites.

Police authorities have taken the suspect into custody for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.

By Uzair Adam

The Katsina State Government has terminated the employment of 3,488 staff from 34 Local Government Councils and Local Education Authorities following a biometric screening exercise that uncovered extensive fraud.

Governor Dikko Radda, who received the screening report on Wednesday, said the exercise covered 50,172 staff members, verifying 46,380, while the remainder were found with fake credentials, ghost postings, absenteeism, or refusal to participate.

The report was formally presented at a State Executive Council meeting attended by top government officials and members of the Biometric Screening Committee.

The initiative has produced the state’s first-ever unified digital database of all Local Government Council (LGC) and Local Education Authority (LEA) staff, with projected monthly savings of N453.3 million if recommendations are fully implemented.

The 10-member committee identified falsified birth certificates, underage employment, illegal promotions, and instances where staff positions were sublet to others.

Additionally, N4.6 million was recovered from officers drawing double salaries or collecting pay while on leave.

Committee chairman Abdullahi A. Gagare revealed that the exercise also exposed the Education Secretary of Zango LEA for allegedly colluding with others to insert 24 ghost workers, describing the case as a “serious breach of trust.”

Governor Radda said, “We have been in the system for a long time, and we know these issues exist. Many warned me that the Committee’s work could damage my political standing, but I was determined to reform the system and do what is right for Katsina.”

He directed that the committee’s findings be converted into a White Paper for full implementation. Radda noted that local governments currently have about half a billion naira in savings, which could increase to N5.7 billion if the recommendations are applied.

“Despite high revenue allocations, many local governments in Katsina still struggle to pay salaries. Councils such as Kafur, Malumfashi, and Daura carry heavy wage bills, mostly due to staff who are not genuine,” he explained.

The governor emphasised that reducing this burden would free up resources to support grassroots development.

“This reform is aimed at saving the state from the grip of a few, ensuring more funds reach the people in our local governments,” Radda added.

The screening exercise was carried out by a 10-member committee, including four retired Permanent Secretaries and six Directors, supported by 16 co-opted members and security personnel.