Crime
Bandit attacks, cattle rustling expose persistent security gaps in Kano rural communities
Bandit attacks, cattle rustling expose persistent security gaps in Kano rural communities
By: Zagazola Makama
Incidents of armed banditry and cattle rustling in Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kano State in the early hours of Jan. 2 has exposed the evolving security challenges confronting rural communities on the fringes of the North-West.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that suspected armed bandits invaded Farin-Fuwa village in Shanono LGA at about 2:55 a.m., prompting a swift response by security forces deployed in the area.
The responding teams of security forces engaged the attackers in a gun duel, during which one security personnel lost his life, while the suspects fled under pressure.
Although the attackers were forced to withdraw, analysts note that the fatality point to the growing boldness of bandit groups operating close to Kano’s rural settlements, often exploiting early morning hours to launch surprise attacks.
In a separate but related incident, suspected cattle rustlers struck Yakanawa village in Tsanyawa LGA at about 1:40 a.m. the same day, carting away an unspecified number of cattle before security teams could reach the scene.
The rustlers reportedly escaped moments before the arrival of responding forces, again highlighting the speed and mobility that continue to give criminal groups an operational edge in remote areas.
The two incidents reflect a broader pattern in which bandit groups adapt their tactics, shifting between direct armed assaults and economic sabotage through cattle rustling to sustain their operations.
The proximity of Shanono and Tsanyawa LGAs to known bandit corridors linking parts of Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States, suggesting that cross-border criminal movement continues to complicate security efforts.
While security forces have intensified patrols and tactical deployments across affected areas, it was argued that lasting stability will require a combination of sustained kinetic operations, community-based intelligence and disruption of the economic lifelines that sustain bandit groups.
Zagazola warned that unless cattle rustling networks are decisively dismantled and armed groups denied safe routes and hideouts, sporadic attacks and losses may continue, posing a lingering threat to rural livelihoods and overall security in Kano State
Bandit attacks, cattle rustling expose persistent security gaps in Kano rural communities
Crime
Principal, ex-vice principal arrested in Dutsi, Katsina State over alleged theft of school equipment
Principal, ex-vice principal arrested in Dutsi, Katsina State over alleged theft of school equipment
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police have arrested the principal and former vice principal of Government Secondary School Shargalle in Dutsi Local Government Area of Katsina State over alleged theft of school property.
It was gathered that the case, transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, relates to an incident on 19 January 2026, when unknown persons broke into the school around 0600hrs and stole inverter batteries and other laboratory equipment.
Zagazola was reliably informed that Investigation led to the arrest of Principal Bashir Musa, 58, of Shadambu Low Cost Daura, and ex-vice principal Abubakar Aliyu, 48, of Shargalle.
Recovered items from the principal’s residence included four solar panels, five desktop computers, three CPU units, one solar battery, one printer, and two hair clippers, all belonging to the school.
The principal reportedly confessed to the theft.
Police said efforts are ongoing to recover additional stolen items and apprehend other suspects. Investigation is ongoing.
Principal, ex-vice principal arrested in Dutsi, Katsina State over alleged theft of school equipment
Three kidnapped, one injured in Katsina Fulani settlement
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected armed bandits on early Monday morning invaded the Jibir Fulani Settlement Camp in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State, abducting three men and injuring another.
According to sources, the bandits stormed the camp at about 0025hrs, kidnapping Yusha’u Fulani Jibir, 32, and Bello Fulani Jibir, 35, and shooting Yusuf Lawal, 27, in the process.
Lawal sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.
Efforts to track the attackers, block their escape routes, and rescue the victims are ongoing. Further updates on the situation will be communicated as investigations progress.
Three kidnapped, one injured in Katsina Fulani settlement
Army troops thwarted attack by bandits in Qua’an Pan, Plateau, recover AK-47 after gun battle
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 9, Operation Safe Haven, on Saturday engaged suspected bandits in Kedeshi Village, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, and recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, deployed at Teng Village under Sub-Sector 9.2, acted on credible intelligence about suspicious movements around Kedeshi Village.
A patrol team was immediately mobilised to the area.
According to the sources, the troops made contact with the suspected bandits, who fled into the surrounding forest on sighting the patrol.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with a magazine and 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The sources added that troops have sustained aggressive clearance operations in the area to flush out bandits believed to be hibernating within the joint operations area.
Army troops thwarted attack by bandits in Qua’an Pan, Plateau, recover AK-47 after gun battle
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