Police operatives in Katsina State have successfully neutralized a notorious bandit and rescued five kidnapped victims following a violent attack on two villages in Malumfashi Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on May 22, 2025, at approximately 10:15 p.m. when armed bandits launched an assault on Unguwar Lado and Karo villages, according to a statement released by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu.

Upon receiving a distress call, a team of officers led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Malumfashi swiftly responded to the scene. The police engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the death of one notorious bandit identified as Audu Kushin from Tsamiyar Maigoro village.

During the operation, five kidnapped victims were found with gunshot wounds sustained during the attack. The victims—Labaran Tijjani (25), Mai Unguwa Usman (45), Iliya Hamisu (45), Yahaya Dahiru (25), and Abdurahaman Umar (25)—were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital in Malumfashi for medical treatment.

DSP Aliyu confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the remaining fleeing suspects involved in the attack.

The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Bello Shehu, commended the officers for their swift and courageous response. He urged them to maintain the momentum in the ongoing fight against banditry and kidnapping across the state.

CP Shehu also called on residents to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and reliable information to support security efforts throughout Katsina State.

This operation represents another significant step in the ongoing efforts by security forces to combat the rising incidents of banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria's northwestern region.