Terrorists Kill Community Watch Officer, Steal Rifle in Fresh Katsina Attack!

Terrorists Kill Community Watch Officer, Steal Rifle in Fresh Katsina Attack!

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi | Sele Media Africa Journalist

In a fresh surge of violence in Katsina State, a community watch officer was killed and his rifle stolen during a brutal attack by suspected bandits, security sources confirmed. The incident occurred recently in Keware Village, Sabuwa Local Government Area, amid growing insecurity in the northwestern region of Nigeria.
According to security analysis reports, the assailants struck late at night, opening fire on local vigilante patrols. A Civilian Watch (Cwatch) vigilante, Isiya Keware, aged 32, was fatally shot during the assault. The attackers reportedly seized his rifle before fleeing, leaving the community in shock and residents on edge.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that joint patrols, including troops from Operation FANSAN YANMA, police units, and other vigilance groups, were already mobilized when gunfire erupted. A brief gunfight ensued, forcing the attackers to withdraw into surrounding bushland.
This attack highlights the persistent threat of banditry and terrorism in Katsina State, where vigilante and community watch groups often bear the brunt of violence while protecting local populations. The theft of a service rifle also raises concerns about the proliferation of weapons into criminal hands, potentially fueling further attacks.
Katsina has witnessed a series of deadly assaults by armed groups in recent months and years, leaving dozens of security personnel and civilians dead. Previous incidents have also seen community watch members ambushed and killed while on duty.
Security officials have not yet released an official statement on the latest attack, but efforts to apprehend the perpetrators are underway. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security outposts.
Context:
The recent uptick in violent attacks in Katsina reflects a broader pattern of insecurity across northern Nigeria, where terrorist and bandit groups continue to target rural communities, security operatives, and civilian watchdog forces. Government and military responses remain ongoing, yet many remote areas still lack adequate protection.

Citations:
1.Zagazola Makama https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/vigilante-killed-in-bandit-attack-on-keware-village-katsina

2.allAfrica.com https://allafrica.com/stories/202602050099.html

3.Ripples Nigeria https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/suspected-bandits-kill-vigilante-member-abduct-couple-in-katsina/

4.Tribune Online https://tribuneonlineng.com/bandits-kidnap-couple-daughter-kill-vigilante-in-katsina/

About The Author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

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Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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