This photo, released by police in Katsina on August 15, 2022, shows some animals recovered by police operatives.
Scores of terrorists were feared killed and several others wounded after a tactical team of police officers repelled their attack on Dadawa and Barkiya villages in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
During the fierce encounter with the terrorists, the police team successfully recovered 74 Sheep, 34 Goats and two cows, a police spokesperson said.
The command had received a distress call at about 1:30am on Monday that terrorists, numbering 80 on motorbikes, armed with sophisticated weapons, had simultaneously attacked the two villages.
Police spokesperson, SP Gambo Isah in a statement stated that, on receipt of the information, the Command deployed its tactical teams to the area and engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel.
He said a team of policemen are still combing the area with a view to arresting the wounded terrorists and recover their dead bodies.
According to the statement, the Katsina State Commissioner of Police, CP Idrisu Dabban Dauda appreciated the efforts of the personnel in repelling the terrorists.
He also urged members of the public to continue to cooperate with security agencies in the ongoing campaign against terrorists in the state.
Katsina, usually referred to as Katsina State to distinguish it from the city of Katsina, is a state in North West zone of Nigeria.
At least 615 victims of human trafficking have been rescued in Katsina State from January to date.
The Commander of the State Command of National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Musa Aliyu, gave out the figure on Saturday in a joint Press Conference to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons at the Katsina State Secretariat Complex.
He explained that NAPTIP received the victims in collaboration with stakeholders from the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Police Force and the Civil Society Organisations (CSO) operating in the State.
Aliyu, while urging Nigerian youths not to be deceived with the so-called greener pastures, noted that this year’s theme for the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is “Use and Abuse of Technology” and focuses on the use of technology as a tool that can enable and impede human trafficking.
The Joint Conference was put together by the State’s Ministry of Women Affairs, the State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) as well as the State Command of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL).
In his remarks, the State Coordinator of the State Command of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), Mr. Shola Babadiya described cyber technology as avenue used by human traffickers to further their nefarious activities under its power of anonymity.
The traffickers, he said, used cyber technology to not only mobilize and recruit their victims but also arrange for their transportation and logistics, calling on people to be on alert and collaborate with the NAPTIP.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Rabi’ah Muhammad Daura urged media practitioners to intensify efforts of increasing awareness among the general public on the ills of human trafficking amid the tactics employed by traffickers in luring their victims into their nets.
A fresh attack by suspected terrorists has claimed the lives of at least, five policemen and three civilians with several others injured at Gatigawa village in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Police Spokesman, SP Gambo Isah, confirmed the incident to reporters on Thursday, stating that the slain police officers who were on special duty in the state from Kano, were killed while repelling an attack on the village.
According to Isah, the terrorists over three hundred in their numbers armed with sophisticated weapons invaded the village at about 6:45pm on Wednesday.
The police imagemaker further disclosed that investigations are underway. adding that the perpetrators of the assault will surely be brought to book.
Katsina State Government has disclosed that it is revitalizing at least 32 irrigation schemes across the state to relocate conventional farmers displaced by the activities of bandits to the irrigated facilities.
To this end, several households have already been engaged in the irrigation activities amidst provision of alternative means of livelihood to farmers with a view to ensure food security in the state.
The New Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Aminu Garba Waziri disclosed this on Sunday in an interview with Katsina Press Forum of which Channels Television is among.
“We have realized that dry season farming is one of the most important aspects in the agricultural sector, so we have made several arrangements for the farmers who lost their farmlands or their communities due to terrorists activities.
“Katsina State is known as one of the food producing states. In terms of supporting economic stability of farmers and farming communities, we have also improved and rehabilitated irrigation canals to attract at least nothing less than 80-90 percent of the activities.
“Beside series of interventions coming from the international donor agencies, we engaged in training and retraining of our staff in the ministry”. He noted.
According to Waziri, the state government has also distributed improved seedlings and variety of seeds to farmers through their various groups and associations.
He said several measures have also been put in place by the government to ensure food security and safety of the farmers living in the security Frontline LGAs of the State.
He however cautioned farmers not to always be waiting government on free or subsidized fertilizers.
Of recent, the state government suspended all government reserve forest due to the issue of insecurity where most farmers can no longer access their farm lands.
“Some of these forest are actually hide outs for criminals. Government had introduced a model which had since reached an advanced stage that will douse the tension from the farmers, eliminate significantly aspect of corrupt practices that is associated with government subsidized fertilizer distribution. It’s still on sell.
“We have procured and distributed enough seedlings and chemicals for this year’s farming season at 50 percent discount”. He said
A 33 year old, Kamala Lawal Abubakar, of Unguwar Sale Quarters in Danmusa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State has been arrested by the police in the state.
Abubakar who is suspected to be a fugitive from Kuje prison, Abuja was arrested yesterday evening, based on credible information that spurred the Divisional Police Officer of Danmusa and his team to carry out raids on suspected criminal hideouts within the LGA of the State.
In the course of investigation, the suspect confessed to have escaped from Kuje Prison, Abuja, during the recent Kuje jail break.
Police spokesman, SP Gambo Isah in a statement on Friday stated that some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp was also recovered in Abubakar’s possession during police search.
He said the suspect will be handed over to Nigerian Correctional Service, for further actions.
In a related development, the command has succeeded in busting a notorious syndicate of armed robbers terrorizing Katsina metropolitan area and its environs.
The were arrested on Tuesday, July 5th, 2022.
“Nemesis caught up with the duo of one Abdulrazak Isyaku, ‘M’, aged 25yrs and (2) Muhammad Abubakar, ‘M’, aged 18yrs both of Kambarawa, notorious armed robbers, who specializes in breaking into dwelling houses in Katsina and committing armed robbery at night.
“Suspects were apprehend based on credible intelligence, at Kambarawa Quarters, Katsina and in the course of investigation, two stolen motorcycles one Motobi, ash in colour, unregisterd and Hijoe, red in colour, with registration number KTN 89 QN were recovered in their possessions.
“Suspects confessed to the commission of several armed robbery attacks in the state and mentioned one Muhammed Lalo, ‘M’, now at large, as their accomplice. Investigation is ongoing.
“On 2/07/2022 at about 2233hrs, based on a tip off, the command succeeded in arresting one Bello Sale Jino, ‘M’, aged 25yrs of Modoji village, a notorious leader of kidnap for ransom syndicate and a suspected terrorist. He was arrested in a hideout at Bakuru village, Katsina.
“In the course of investigation, suspect confessed to be a leader of kidnap for ransom gang and was in the village based on the invitation of one Mustapaha Badamasi, that he should come to the village and take a survey of a rich man in the village, who has plenty of cows.
“Furthermore, suspect confessed to have kidnapped many people within Katsina metropolitan and collected ransom ranging from eighty thousand (N80,000) to two hundred thousand (N200,000) naira. Some of his gang members arrested include (1) Muhammed Ibrahim, ‘M’, aged 25yrs of Sokoto Rima Quarters, Katsina (2) Anas Abdullahi, ‘M’, aged 30yrs of Sabon Gida Quarters, Katsina and (3) Mustapha Badamasi. Investigation is ongoing.
“On 07/07/2022 at about 1700hrs, the Command succeeded in arresting suspected killers of one Mallam Dayyabu, ‘M’, of Majifa village, Kankara.
“The fact of the case is that on 10/06/2022 at about 1400hrs, the following suspects (1) Kane Kasimu, ‘M’, aged 35yrs, (2) Yahaya Danmallam, ‘M’, aged 30yrs (at large) (3) Aminu Ba’are, ‘M’, aged 40yrs (at large) (4) Sirajo Dawai, ‘M’, aged 18yrs (at large), (5) Ibrahim Amadu, ‘M’, aged 60yrs (6) Sa’idu Ibrahim, ‘M’, aged 30yrs, all of Gidan Dangwari village, Kankara, attacked the said Mallam Dayyabu while working in his farm land and thereafter attacked his wife at home with intent to kill her but did not met her but destroyed some part of the house. Suspect confessed to the commission of the offence.
“On the 29/6/2022 at about 0700hrs, the command succeeded in arresting the trio of (1) Ayuba Abudullahi ‘m’ aged 25 years old alias Arrow (2) Sagir Sade ‘m’ aged 22yaers and (3) Usman Shu’aibu ‘m’ aged 22 years old.
“Nemesis caught up with the syndicate when attack the residence of the duo of one (1) Sterling Anikezie ‘m’ and (2) Ayingor Sunday ‘m’ all of Malumfashi town and robbed them of Two (2) Tecno android handset valued at one hundred and five thousand naira (₦105,000.00).
“One laptop computer valued at one hundred and fifteen thousand naira (₦115,000.00). The sum of one hundred and sixty-five thousand naira (₦165,000.00),” SP Gambo Isah revealed.
The police spokesman also explained that during the course of the investigation, suspects were arrested hibernating in the house one Hadiza Mamman alias Uwani ‘f’ aged 37 years old in possession of six (6) package of banned substance solution.
According to him, the suspects will be further investigated after which they will be charged to a competent court for onward prosecution.
An Area Commander and one officer attached to the Kastina State Police Command, have been killed following a shootout with bandits during clearance operations on Tuesday.
Sources within the Force earlier told Channels Television that Assistant Commissioner Of Police in charge of Dutsinma Area Command, Aminu Umar and other officers were in a forest carrying out an operation in an area where bandits had held sway.
Upon catching a glimpse of the law enforcement agents, the bandits opened fire and a fierce gun battle ensued.
It was in this process that Commander Umar and another officer were gunned down by the gunmen.
Further affirming the development, the Command spokesperson, SP Gambo Isah explained that the command is already combing the entire forest with a view to apprehending the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
SP Isah assured resident and all Nigerians that the war against terror would be won.
“At about 1130hrs, a distress call was received that terrorists numbering over three hundred (300), on motorcycles, shooting sporadically with AK 47 rifles and General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), ambushed ACP Aminu Umar, Area Commander, Dutsinma and team, while on clearance operation of recalcitrant bandits/terrorists, in Zakka forest, Safana LGA of Katsina state.
“Consequently, the Area Commander and one other gallantly lost their lives during a cross exchange of gun fire,” the police spokesman briefly explained.
He added that the Kastina State Commissioner of Police, Idrisu Dabban Dauda, on behalf of the officers and men of the command has expressed his deep sympathy for the family of the deceased and pray that the almighty give them solace at this trying time.
The Commissioner reassured citizens that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to the safety of the Nigerian people, adding that the the ongoing onslaught against terrorism in the state until it is completely routed out.
Katsina, usually referred to as Katsina State to distinguish it from the city of Katsina, is a state in North West zone of Nigeria.
The Katsina Emirate Council (KEC) has announced that the usual Eid-ul-Adha royal exhibition festival has been canceled owing to insecurity.
The council, in a statement signed by assistant secretary Alhaji Sule Mamman Dee, explained that the regular Hawan Daushe, a royal exhibition of garments and regalia that features horse riding, will not accompany the Sallah celebration scheduled for Saturday.
The council noted that the Eid prayers will be lead by the emir in the mosque with prayers that “all perpetrators of evil in the state and in Nigeria be exposed.”
The statement, written in the Hausa language, reads, “The Emirate Council is informing the general public that by God’s grace, on Saturday 9th July, the Emir will lead the Eid prayers in the mosque.
“The council further asks ALL to pray to God to grant us peace and unity. Amen.”
Katsina State has suffered a wave of terrorist attacks in recent years as many residents have been kidnapped for ransom or killed.
Katsina, usually referred to as Katsina State to distinguish it from the city of Katsina, is a state in North West zone of Nigeria.
At least twelve people have been killed by terrorists at Gakurdi village in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The terrorists were also said to have burnt a lot of farmlands belonging to the residents of the village during their early morning operation that took hours.
Eyewitness told Channels Television that the terrorists, armed with weapons, arrived the village on motorcycles and started shooting sporadically in the air to disperse the residents.
This caused panic in the village, causing residents to scamper for safety to the neighboring communities.
The State Police Command through the Spokesman, SP Gambo Isah, confirmed the incident, stating that among the victims were villagers who had attempted to escape into their farmlands.
He explained that security operatives were already on top of the situation as the Commissioner of Police in the state, Idris Dauda Dabban, led a team of security operatives including himself to the village for an on-the-spot assessment of the incident.
“Yes, it’s true, the incident happened. The bandits were at the village this Tuesday morning and killed twelve villagers,” Isah said.
“Some of those killed included those attempting to escape to their farmlands.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Idris Dauda Dabban had in response led a team of security operatives to the village this morning.”
A file photo of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, during an interview on a Channels Television programme.
A presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Minister of Transport, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has promised to fix the security, agriculture and economy of the country within the shortest possible time if elected as president.
Amaechi made the promise on Monday when he met with the delegates at the Banquet Hall of General Muhammadu Buhari Government House, Katsina as part of his National Consultation ahead of the APC Presidential primary election.
The former minister charged the delegates to reflect and reconsider his laudable performance, interventions and projects he extended to Daura in Katsina State alone and Nigeria as a whole.
Amaechi while answering questions from a cross-section of the delegates also announced that he has good packages for the women as they are according to him, equal with the men.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Katsina State APC Chairman, Muhammad Sani Ahmad Daura acknowledged various interventions, projects and contributions extended to Daura by the aspirant when he was the transportation Minister.
The projects executed he explained have gone a long way in making life easier for the good people of the state and Nigeria as a whole adding that Nigeria awaits Amaechi’s uncommon leadership at this trying moment.
In the meantime, the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari seized the moment to draw the attention of APC presidential aspirants to make a case on security and agriculture restoration as well as rehabilitating and resettling victims of banditry plan in their manifestos.
File photo: Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari addresses journalists at the State House in Abuja on April 29, 2021.
The Katsina State Government has declared Monday, April 11, a work-free day to enable workers and their families to exercise their franchise in the upcoming Local Government elections.
This was announced in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary Administration, Office of the Head Of Civil Service, Alhaji Usman Isyaku.
According to the statement, the one-day public holiday was declared to enable Civil Servants and their families to conveniently vote in their constituencies.
Workers were, therefore, urged to utilise the opportunity to peacefully exercise their constitutional rights by voting for candidates of their choice.
On Thursday, March 31, supporters of various aspirants in the forthcoming Katsina Local Government elections interrupted the Katsina APC Local Government election campaign flag-off.
Supporters of the aspirants for the 2023 governorship election in the state also exhibited a similar attitude, a situation that prevented the state governor, Aminu Masari and other dignitaries from delivering their planned speeches.
The occasion which took place at the Kankia Local Government township stadium witnessed the attendance of many APC stakeholders in the state.
The Police in Katsina State have succeeded in busting a syndicate of human traffickers on their transit to Libya through the Niger Republic border axis.
In the process of busting the syndicate, 15 trafficked persons consisting of eight females and seven males were rescued by the police at about 03:30hrs on Friday.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Gambo Isah in a press briefing at the command headquarters, Katsina said the traffickers were caught at Baraji Quarters in Daura Local Government Area of the state while conveying the victims.
According to SP Isah, the driver abandoned the victims and ran into the bush upon sighting the police as efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
In the meantime, the command has repelled terrorists’ attack at Gago village in Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state. In the process, one terrorist was killed and one AK47 rifle was recovered with five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition along with 50 rustled cows.
The Katsina State Police Command has busted a syndicate of fraudsters who specialise in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Katsina State Command, SP Gambo Isah, issued on Wednesday, the operation was based on a tip-off and the command succeeded in arresting the trio of Abdullahi Mohd Shaba, Micheal Odoba Ochi, of Kuje quarters, Abuja, D. Mydox resources investment ltd and Earnest Omachunu, of Barnawa Quarters, Kaduna suspected members of a syndicate of fraudsters.
They were said to have conspired among themselves and fraudulently swindled one Alh Lawal Mani, of Dangoro Quarters, Katsina, of the sum of N13,500,000 under the pretext of supplying him with AGO fuel.
In the course of the investigation, the victim stated that he was lured by the suspects to deposit the money in two different accounts; one belonging to one Alh. Abdullahi Mohd Shaba and the second belonging to one Mydox Resource Investiment LTD.
In the course of the interrogation, the suspects confessed to committing the offence.
According to SP Isah, efforts are on course to arrest other members of the syndicate who are at large.
