Two officers killed as bandits attack police convoy in Katsina

Two police personnel have been killed after suspected armed bandits attacked a police convoy in Katsina State and made away with their service weapons.

According to a post on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, police sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 5:50 p.m. on April 7, 2026, at Sabon Garin Garu village in Musawa Local Government Area of the state.

The attackers, said to be in large numbers and riding on about 30 motorcycles, were reportedly linked to a notorious bandit leader identified as Muhammadu.

It was gathered that the bandits ambushed a vehicle conveying five personnel of the Police Mobile Force (27 PMF) who were travelling from Zamfara State through Katsina State.

A prompt response by police tactical teams, including patrol units and community watch groups, led to a gun battle with the attackers, forcing them to withdraw.

Three of the officers were rescued unhurt during the exchange of fire.

However, two officers lost their lives in the attack. They were identified as Sgt. Bilyaminu Babangida and PC Abdulaziz Musa.

The assailants also carted away the officers’ service rifles and a riot gunner.

“The attackers also carted away the officers’ service rifles and a riot gunner,” the source said.

Police reinforcements from Dutsinma, Kankia, Matazu, and Kankara were later deployed to seal off escape routes, while cordon-and-search operations are ongoing to track down the suspects and recover the stolen weapons.

According to security forces, efforts had been intensified to restore calm in the area and prevent further attacks along the axis