The Katsina State Government has bolstered its security operations with the launch of eight newly procured Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), as authorities confirmed the rescue of 76 kidnapped victims following a bandits’ attack in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
The Acting Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, unveiled the APCs on Friday shortly after chairing a State Security Council meeting at the Government House, Katsina. He described the attack on Gidan Mantau community in Karfi Ward, Malumfashi, as “sad and unfortunate,” but assured that government was intensifying efforts to restore peace across the state.
“The battle against banditry is not over until it is won,” Jobe said. “We commend the courage of the local communities, who resisted and overpowered the attackers, making their efforts to disrupt peace unsuccessful.”
According to him, the government has made significant investments in security assets, personnel training, and community-driven initiatives such as the Community Watch and Vigilante programmes. He noted that these measures had improved security in four frontline local governments – Jibia, Batsari, Safana and Dan Musa.
Jobe confirmed that apart from the 76 persons rescued earlier on Saturday morning, several others managed to escape during the abduction attempt. He also disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff would visit Katsina tomorrow to assess security challenges and reinforce troop deployment.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Muazu Danmusa, who briefed journalists after the meeting, said the attack left 28 people dead. He praised the coordinated response of security agencies, which led to the rescue of 72 abductees.
“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, and we thank God security forces rescued 72 captives from the bandits,” he stated.
Danmusa further highlighted the state’s spending on security, disclosing that over ₦36 billion had been invested to strengthen operations. “Katsina now boasts one of the highest numbers of security assets in the region, with 43 Armoured Personnel Carriers, including the 8 newly delivered vehicles,” he said.
He stressed the need for public participation in security, describing it as a “community-driven effort.”
The briefing was attended by the Commissioner of Information, Dr. Salisu Zango, the Director-General of Media, Maiwada Dan Mallam, and other senior government officials.
