Terrorists Kill Community Watch Officer In Katsina, Flee With Rifle

Suspected terrorists have killed a member of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, identified as Anas Ayuba, during a violent raid on Dangani town in Musawa Local Government Area on Sunday, security sources have confirmed.

The attackers also carted away the slain officer’s service rifle, while another officer, simply identified as Nura, sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed health facility.

Confirming the incident on Monday, a Katsina-based security analyst, Bakatsine, said the assailants arrived in the town heavily armed and launched coordinated gunfire on security volunteers.

“The attack has further exposed the vulnerability of rural communities despite the presence of local security outfits,” Bakatsine said.

Musawa LGA is among the areas in Katsina that had previously entered peace accords with armed groups in a bid to curb escalating kidnappings, cattle rustling, and killings.

However, Sunday’s killing has again raised doubts over the durability and effectiveness of such agreements.

Meanwhile, Sahara Reporters earlier reported growing controversy over a leaked official document, which revealed that the Katsina State Government had initiated moves to secure the release of dozens of suspected bandits currently facing criminal trials.

The letter, dated January 2, 2026, and marked “SECRET”, was sent from the Ministry of Justice to the Chief Judge of Katsina State, seeking the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the release of 70 inmates.

The document, signed by Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, Esq., stated that the list of 48 banditry suspects was forwarded to the Ministry by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.

According to the letter, the move was a “condition precedent” to uphold peace deals signed between frontline LGAs and repentant bandits.

Another list of 22 detainees undergoing trials in various High Courts was also submitted for consideration under the same arrangement.

The Ministry argued that the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee had the statutory authority under Section 371(2) of the Katsina State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (2021) to act on the matter.

Government Confirms Authenticity Of Release Plan

Speaking on the development, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, confirmed the authenticity of the document.

He explained that the state’s move was aimed at consolidating peace efforts across at least 15 local government areas.

“The broader peace deal has so far led to the release of over 1,000 kidnapped victims from the custody of armed groups,” Muazu said.