Despite peace deal process, troops repel bandit ambush in Faskari, Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMAN (OPFY) have repelled a bandit ambush in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina, despite a recently brokered peace deal in the axis.

Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred when the convoy of the Commanding Officer, 382 Army Regiment, came under attack at Ruwan Godiya crossing point along Sheme–Kankara road.

The officer was on a routine operational visit to Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Faskari, Mabai and Dan Ali, covering Faskari, Kankara and Danmusa Local Government Areas, when the ambush took place.

Troops fought through the attack and extricated the convoy to safety. Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were immediately treated at FOB Mabai before evacuation to 17 Brigade Medical Centre.

Sources described the response of the troops as gallant, noting that their swift action prevented further casualties and foiled the terrorists’ plot.

The attack came on the day community leaders and bandit representatives reached a local peace agreement in Faskari, aimed at halting hostilities and restoring normalcy.

Security sources told Zagazola that the development point to the fragile nature of such arrangements and the continued need for vigilance across frontline areas.

Despite peace deal process, troops repel bandit ambush in Faskari, Katsina

Peace Deal in Faskari Sparks Questions Over Bandits Foreign Travels to Saudi Arabia

By: Zagazola Makama

The recent peace dialogue held in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State has not only drawn attention for the attendance of top bandit leaders but also raised questions over how some of them were able to travel abroad despite being on security watchlists.

Among those present was Malam Hassan Dan Tawawe, a notorious figure from Katsina who was once listed among the country’s most wanted bandit kingpins.

During the parley, Dan Tawawe joined other leaders, including Ado Aleru, Babaro, and Isiya Kwashen-Garwa, in agreeing to terms of peace such as safe entry into towns without arms, freedom of captives without ransom, mutual forgiveness, and unhindered farming and grazing across the North West.

Observers, however, noted that Dan Tawawe appeared at the event wearing a pilgrim’s cloth, reportedly issued during the 2025 Hajj exercise, bearing the badge of the Kaaba. This, they argue, confirms he had recently travelled to Saudi Arabia and returned safely through one of Nigeria’s official airports.

Dan Tawaye also has his passport processed through the Nigerian Immigration Service and Screened with his National Identification Number.

The development has revived concerns about how more than 14 bandits, including some of the most dangerous and wanted criminals, travelled to Saudi Arabia undetected in recent months.

Questions continue to trail how they passed through airports in Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, and even Abuja without being flagged by security agencies, despite their names being linked to terrorism and banditry.

While Nigerians, residents of Faskari and surrounding communities have welcomed the peace pact, many say the revelation brings to light the lingering weaknesses in Nigeria’s border control and airport screening systems.

It also exposed the complicity of those responsible for organising the Hajj Operations.

Peace Deal in Faskari Sparks Questions Over Bandits Foreign Travels to Saudi Arabia

Nigeria’s wanted bandit kingpin accepts peace deal in katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

A notorious bandit leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, who was recently declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters, has reportedly accepted a peace deal in Katsina State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that Garwa, whose name features among 19 most-wanted terrorists and bandits in Nigeria, has turned up in Hayin Gada community, Faskari Local Government Area, presenting himself as an advocate of dialogue.

Garwa, originally from Kamfanin Daudawa village in Faskari LGA, has long been linked to killings, kidnappings and raids across forest belts in Katsina and neighbouring states.

Security experts describe him as part of a wider network of armed leaders destabilising the North-West and North Central through cross-border operations, exploiting of weak state presence.

Despite his bloody record, Garwa’s recent posture signals a possible shift in approach, as local leaders and security stakeholders weigh the implications of his acceptance of peace terms.

Reactions remain divided. While some residents see the development as a chance to restore calm in long-troubled communities, others question the sincerity of the bandit leader, recalling the atrocities attributed to his group.

Nigeria’s wanted bandit kingpin accepts peace deal in katsina