March 17, 2026
At least 15 people were killed following a reprisal attack in Falale village, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, northwestern Nigeria, police said on Tuesday.
According to a preliminary report by the Katsina State Police Command, the incident began at about 1200 hours when a group of vigilantes on patrol intercepted and engaged three suspected repentant bandits in a gunfight in the village. The three suspects were killed during the confrontation.
Police said the incident triggered a retaliatory attack by suspected armed bandits, who stormed the village and killed 15 residents.
A joint team of security operatives was subsequently deployed to the area, where they restored normalcy and secured the community, the police added.
The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State condemned the killings, describing the attack as “barbaric,” and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, noting that an investigation had been launched to identify and apprehend those responsible for the нападение.
The police also called on members of the public with relevant information to assist ongoing investigations.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
The statement was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command.
