Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs
Press Release
7 Motorcycles, Weapons Recovered
The Katsina State Government has recorded another milestone in its desirous fight against banditry and kidnapping, with a successful joint military operation neutralizing bandit kingpin Gwaska, 100 others and dismantled several criminal hideouts across Katsina State.
On April 10, 2025, the Nigerian Army's 17th Brigade and 213 Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force executed a coordinated strike on bandit strongholds in Mununu Bakai, Zango, Jeka Arera, Malali, and Ruwan Godiya areas spanning Kankara and Faskari Local Government Areas.
The precision operation, based on actionable intelligence, eliminated a high-value target identified as Gwaska, who served as second-in-command to an ISWAP-linked leader.
Intelligence reports confirm that Gwaska had recently relocated from Danmusa Local Government to Munumu Forest.
During the operation, the forces recovered and subsequently destroyed two machine guns, locally fabricated shotguns, and other weapons to prevent their reuse by criminal elements.
It is expedient to state that this successful mission has significantly disrupted the criminal networks that have long terrorized communities across Faskari, Kankara, Bakori, Malumfashi, and Kafur.
In separate development to advance the security of lives and properties in Katsina and Northwest region, security forces conducted another successful operation in the early hours of April 10, 2025, targeting bandit routes at Dutsen Wori by Dandume-Kandamba Road, located at the outskirts of Dandume town at the border with Faskari and Sabuwa Local Government Areas.
The operation, executed at approximately 3:45 am, resulted in the elimination of six bandits, including their commander, while several other bandits escaped with various degrees of bullet wounds.
The forces successfully intercepted and recovered seven motorcycles, while four others escaped into the forest. The bandits were tracked from their base at Maigora/Doroyi camp in Faskari Local Government Area.
It's worthy of note that no casualties were reported among the security personnel who participated in this operation.
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has again declared his administration's resolve to eradicate banditry throughout the state.
The Governor, through the joint efforts of security forces are committed to rooting out criminals from their hideouts and ensuring every forest is thoroughly monitored to protect the residents of Katsina.
The Governor further expressed confidence in the ongoing collaboration between security agencies and communities, noting that with sustained efforts and divine support, peace will be restored.
The operation is a crucial component of broader strategy by security stakeholders in the State to reclaim stability in the Katsina and Northwest region.
Dr. Nasir Mua'zu
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs
11th April,2025
