The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed that bandits attacked communities in Matazu Local Government Area of the state, killing two civilians and a police officer during the assault.
Police authorities said the attack occurred on April 5, 2026, when suspected armed bandits blocked a major road and opened fire on motorists before later attempting to attack a police facility.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, disclosed the development while speaking with journalists in Katsina on Monday.
According to him, the bandits blocked the Karadua–Musawa Road and attacked a passing vehicle.
“On April 5, 2026, suspected armed bandits in large numbers, armed with dangerous weapons, blocked the Karadua–Musawa Road in Matazu Local Government Area, where they opened fire on an oncoming Volkswagen Golf vehicle, fatally shooting two persons,” Sadiq said.
He explained that security operatives swiftly responded after receiving a distress report.
Sadiq further stated, “Upon receipt of the report, a joint team of operatives comprising the Police, Military, Katsina State Community Watch Corps, and local vigilantes swiftly mobilised to the scene, dislodged the assailants, and evacuated the victims to a nearby hospital.”
The police spokesman added that the attackers later regrouped and attempted to attack the Musawa Police Division.
However, officers on duty successfully repelled the assault.
“The bandits subsequently regrouped and attempted to attack the Musawa Police Division. However, the officers on duty repelled the attack, successfully foiling their attempt and restoring normalcy to the area,” he said.
Sadiq disclosed that one police officer died during the encounter.
He said, “Regrettably, one police officer lost his life in the line of duty during the encounter.”
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Ali Fage, reportedly deployed additional operational assets to the affected areas.
Sadiq said the move was aimed at strengthening security and preventing further attacks while investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
“The Commissioner of Police commiserates with the families of the deceased victims and the fallen officer,” he added.
Governor Visits Affected Community
Earlier on Sunday, Governor Dikko Radda visited Sayaya village in Matazu LGA, one of the communities affected by the bandits’ attack.
During the visit, the governor inspected damaged facilities, including a Primary Health Care Centre and several looted shops, to assess the extent of the destruction.
Radda also met with residents, commiserated with victims’ families, and extended condolences to officers of the police command over the death of the policeman.
The governor further directed the deployment of additional security operatives to reinforce safety in the area.