At least 15 people have been killed following a violent clash between suspected bandits and community guards in Falele village, Daddara District of Jibia Local Government Area, Katsina State.

The attack reportedly occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday when armed bandits stormed the community, sparking a gun battle with local vigilantes and security volunteers.

The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua’zu, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists.

According to him, the clash affected Falale and Kadobe villages within Jibia Local Government Area on March 17, 2026, resulting in significant casualties.

“The incident led to the loss of 15 lives. However, security forces have since restored order and stabilised the situation,” Mua’zu stated.

He explained that vigilantes from the affected communities had earlier engaged some repentant bandits, leading to the death of three of them. This confrontation reportedly triggered a violent reprisal attack, which claimed additional lives.

Mua’zu added that personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), Civilian Watch (C-Watch), and local community leaders worked collaboratively to bring the situation under control.

He noted that the joint operation helped prevent further casualties and restore relative calm to the affected communities.

The commissioner urged residents to remain calm and allow security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident.

“We understand the pain and loss experienced by the affected families. The government is committed to ensuring justice and preventing a recurrence of such incidents,” he said.

He further assured that the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda remains focused on securing lives and property across the state.

Mua’zu emphasised that Jibia Local Government Area had enjoyed relative peace for over a year due to strategic security measures implemented by the state government.

The government also called on residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation is essential to achieving lasting peace.

Katsina State, like many parts of North-West Nigeria, has continued to face recurring attacks by armed bandits, resulting in loss of lives, kidnappings, and displacement of residents.