Five brave personnel of the Katsina State Community Security Watch Corps tragically lost their lives in a deadly ambush carried out by terrorists, underscoring the persistent security challenges faced by the region.
The incident occurred as the officers were actively responding to critical intelligence reports indicating a significant gathering of bandits near several villages in the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The fatal attack took place on a Saturday when Mallam Sanusi, a senior officer overseeing security operations across Kusada, Kankia, and parts of Charanci Local Government Areas, was leading a reinforcement mission.
Accompanied by four members of his team, Mallam Sanusi was traveling in a Hilux vehicle when they were ambushed near Maharaba village, within Matazu. The team had been mobilized in response to urgent information about bandit activity, aiming to preempt any attacks on vulnerable communities.
According to multiple sources, the security team’s mission was abruptly and violently interrupted when more than twenty bandits on motorcycles, who had stealthily concealed themselves among mango trees close to a nearby stream, launched a sudden and coordinated assault.
The attackers took advantage of the element of surprise and the terrain to overwhelm the security personnel. Tragically, Mallam Sanusi and all four members of his team were killed in the ambush. In a brutal act meant to intimidate and send a message, the assailants also set the team’s vehicle ablaze following the attack.
The loss of these courageous officers is a significant blow to the ongoing efforts to restore peace in Katsina State. In response to the incident, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, wasted no time in visiting the scene of the attack to personally assess the situation and express solidarity with the affected communities.
He was accompanied by a high-level security delegation, including Dr. Nasiru Muazu Danmusa, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs.
Governor Radda’s visit went beyond the immediate area of the attack; he extended his tour to hard-to-reach and vulnerable communities within the region. His engagement with residents was a crucial part of the administration’s efforts to gather firsthand information about local security conditions and the impact of banditry on everyday lives.
Through these direct interactions, the Governor aimed to reassure the people that his government remains resolutely committed to confronting the prevailing security threats head-on.
During his visit, Governor Radda reiterated the state government’s firm commitment to strengthening collaboration with security agencies, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of enhancing protective measures to safeguard not only security personnel but also the civilian population across Katsina State.
Dr. Nasiru Muazu Danmusa provided further insight into the context of the Governor’s visit, highlighting the comprehensive and multi-faceted approach the government is adopting to address insecurity. He noted that Katsina State has recently endured a series of relentless banditry attacks, which continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.
However, Dr. Danmusa also acknowledged the notable successes achieved, particularly through coordinated military operations around critical areas such as the Ruwan Godiya axis, which have helped disrupt bandit networks and reduce attacks in some localities.
He underscored the significance of the Governor’s on-site assessment: “It is imperative for the Governor to see the situation firsthand, enabling the ministry to thoroughly evaluate the circumstances surrounding the attack. This will guide the development of more effective strategies aimed at protecting the lives and property of our communities.”
In his remarks, Dr. Danmusa appealed to the public for continued prayers, patience, and cooperation with security efforts, reassuring citizens of the government’s unwavering dedication to restoring peace and stability in the state.
In a heartfelt message delivered on behalf of the government and the people of Katsina, Governor Radda extended profound condolences to the families of the fallen Community Security Watch personnel.
He prayed for divine acceptance of their ultimate sacrifice and implored for strength and resilience for their loved ones and the entire state as they mourn this irreplaceable loss. The Governor also vowed that their sacrifice would not be in vain and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to intensifying efforts toward securing peace for all communities in Katsina State.