The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed that one police officer and two civilians were killed during a bandit attack in Matazu Local Government Area of the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Abubakar Sadiq, disclosed this on Monday, noting that security operatives also foiled a subsequent assault by the attackers.

According to him, the incident occurred on April 5, 2026, when heavily armed bandits blocked the Karadua–Musawa Road and opened fire on a moving Volkswagen Golf vehicle, killing two occupants on the spot.

Sadiq explained that upon receiving the distress report, a joint security team comprising the police, military, Katsina State Community Watch Corps, and local vigilantes swiftly responded, repelled the attackers, and evacuated the victims to a nearby hospital.

He added that the assailants later regrouped and attempted to attack the Musawa Police Division but were successfully resisted by officers on duty. However, one police officer was killed during the exchange of gunfire.

The Commissioner of Police, Ali Fage, has since deployed additional operational assets to the area to reinforce security and prevent further attacks, while investigations are ongoing to track down the perpetrators.

Sadiq said the police commissioner commiserated with the families of the victims and urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies in their efforts to restore peace.

Meanwhile, Governor Dikko Radda visited Sayaya village in Matazu Local Government Area following the attack. During the visit, he assessed the damage, including the Primary Health Care Centre and several looted shops, and met with affected residents.

The governor also condoled with police officers over the loss of their colleague and directed the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to strengthen safety in the area.