Katsina State Commissioner of Police Usman Nadada spoke with Olaide Oyelude about the killing of 41 vigilantes and other security concerns. He assumed office on 9 November 2022, and since then his command has focused on protecting lives and property across the state.
Nadada said that, until the recent tragic incident in Kankara Local Government Area, the state had been relatively peaceful. The police, working in synergy with other security agencies, have taken the fight to criminal hideouts, especially those of terrorists. He highlighted the support received from President Muhammadu Buhari, Inspector‑General of Police Usman Alkali Baba, and Governor Aminu Bello Masari, who has provided maximum backing to security agencies. The IG has ensured that every local government area has a combination of police and military troops, and frontline LGAs are equipped with two Hilux patrol vans and two armoured personnel carriers each. Special counter‑terrorism units operate in Batsari (Kandawa), Safana, and Faskari, while riot police are deployed in Kankara, along Sheme Road, in several villages, and in Funtua. The state government recently donated additional armoured personnel carriers to strengthen these efforts.
When asked about claims that bandits have the upper hand because security agents do not pursue them to their hideouts, Nadada affirmed that operations are indeed being conducted against criminal enclaves. He noted that joint security operations are ongoing and that residents have been both supportive and, in some cases, complicit. He cited arrests of residents who facilitated terrorists by purchasing drugs, fuel, firewood, or weapons, and even women who helped transport fuel or offered themselves as sex workers to militants. These collaborations hinder operations, but the police continue to arrest and prosecute those involved.
Regarding the Kankara attack that left 41 dead, Nadada clarified that the police were not informed of the vigilantes’ plan to confront the terrorists. The group, known locally as Yansakai, had been outlawed on 14 February 2022 by Governor Masari because its members were fueling crises. The Yansakai members, who came from Bakori rather than Kankara, acted without notifying any security agency. Police intervened after receiving a distress call, driving the terrorists away, and have since identified their hideouts. A state delegation visited the affected communities, and a judicial commission of inquiry chaired by Justice A. B. Abdullahi was established.
Addressing a resident’s claim that terrorists attacked Matazu because the area was poorly policed, Nadada refuted the statement, noting that no attack occurred there. He explained that terrorists merely passed through a riverbank in Matazu with stolen cattle, and that the area is already garrisoned by both military and police forces. Local officials recently visited the police headquarters to thank officers for their work.
On policing challenges, Nadada emphasized that the command covers all 34 local government areas without neglect. Calm has returned to Kankara and Bakori due to police intervention, continued presence of security agencies, and the judicial commission’s recommendations. The state government has also provided palliatives to victims’ families and is formulating broader strategies to combat terrorism.
When questioned about community collaboration with bandits, Nadada acknowledged that some residents aid terrorists while others assist security forces. Arrests continue, and the police will not be deterred by collaborators. He also described the governor’s disarmament initiative, which led to the recovery of over 109 weapons—including anti‑aircraft guns, general‑purpose machine guns, and AK‑47s—though some militants later reneged on their promises to surrender arms.
On the involvement of soldiers in anti‑bandit operations, Nadada asserted that all security personnel share the primary duty of protecting Nigerians, regardless of their branch. He dismissed claims that police motivation is low, noting recent welfare packages from the President and the IG that have boosted morale. The police command now enjoys high morale thanks to these improvements.
Regarding local vigilantes, Nadada explained that, apart from the outlawed Yansakai, the state has properly trained and registered vigilantes who work with security agencies. Over 5,000 such vigilantes have been recruited, each with clear leadership and defined roles within their LGAs.
With elections approaching, the Katsina State Police Command is prepared to prevent disruption by political thugs and bandits. The force has undergone training, held meetings with stakeholders—including political parties and INEC—and received election handbooks from the IG. An additional 600 constables have been posted, sensitised, and trained in election security. Nadada urged citizens to be patriotic, law‑abiding, and for parents to monitor their children during the election period. He warned miscreants and political thugs that they will be dealt with ruthlessly.
Finally, Nadada provided arrest statistics since he took office: from November 2022 to 17 January 2023, the command recorded 619 cases, with 547 awaiting trial and 72 convictions. Those convicted faced charges ranging from terrorism, informing terrorists, cattle rustling, armed robbery, rape, culpable homicide, to drug‑related offenses.
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