At least nine persons have been killed and 11 others injured following a deadly attack on Angwan Magaji community in Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The attack, which occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in communities located along the Kaduna–Plateau border.

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According to the National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Youth Movement, Joseph Chudu Yonkpa, heavily armed attackers invaded the community in the early hours of the morning and opened fire on residents, leaving several casualties in their wake.

Yonkpa explained that most residents of Angwan Magaji are members of the Irigwe ethnic group with ancestral roots in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The victims of the attack were identified as Jerry Doctor, 51; Danlami Magani, 49; Sunday Chibi, 53; Rita Abdullahi, 45; Sunday Elkan, 5; Esther Kefas, 5; Happy Friday, 6; Moses Daddy, 4; and Daddy Ibrahim, 28.

Eleven other residents sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Confirming the incident, the National Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association, Danjuma Dickson Auta, condemned the killings and described the attack as unfortunate and deeply troubling.

Auta called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

He also expressed concern over the recurring attacks on communities in the area, urging authorities to strengthen security measures to safeguard lives and property.

The community leader appealed to governments at all levels to take urgent action to prevent further bloodshed and restore confidence among residents, noting that the latest attack has plunged the community into mourning and renewed calls for decisive intervention to end the cycle of violence along the Kaduna–Plateau axis.

Five kidnapped victims have regained their freedom following a successful military operation by troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Kogi State.

The rescue operation was carried out on Wednesday as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts under the 2 Division Nigerian Army, which has intensified both ground and air offensives against terrorist camps hidden within forested areas of the state.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the victims were abandoned by their captors as the terrorists fled sustained military pressure.

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Abdullahi explained that the operation followed a recent air interdiction mission targeting a known terrorist hideout within the forest.

Troops from the Forward Operating Base Oshokoshoko were subsequently deployed on a blocking mission along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route in the Adankolo Forest.

“Acting on operational directives and following the recent air interdiction mission conducted against a known terrorist hideout within the forest, troops deployed from Forward Operating Base Oshokoshoko on a blocking mission along Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route within Adankolo Forest.

“During the operation, vigilant troops intercepted five kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by the terrorists while fleeing from the intense military pressure mounted on their camps,” the statement read.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims regained their freedom after the terrorists dispersed in the wake of ongoing military offensives targeting their hideouts.

The rescued individuals were immediately evacuated to a secure location before being transferred to a military medical facility, where they received medical care and stabilization.

The Army further disclosed that the victims were debriefed to gather intelligence that could support ongoing operations aimed at tracking down and neutralizing the remaining terrorists operating within the area.

Military authorities said efforts are underway to reunite the victims with their families after completing the necessary medical and administrative procedures.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, commended the troops for their vigilance, resilience, and professionalism during the operation.

He also urged residents of Kogi State to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible intelligence, stressing that public cooperation remains crucial in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the region.

The Katsina State Government has announced a series of stringent security measures aimed at tackling the growing menace of banditry and kidnapping across the state.

Governor Dikko Radda unveiled the new directives through an Executive Order issued after an emergency security meeting attended by security agencies, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders.

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According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, the measures are intended to cut off logistics and communication channels allegedly used by criminal groups operating within the state.

Among the new directives is an immediate ban on the sale, purchase, transportation, and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans across Katsina State.

The statement said, “The measure is designed to prevent the diversion of fuel supplies to criminal elements operating in remote locations.”

The government also ordered the immediate closure of all Point of Sale (POS) businesses and commercial phone-charging points in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas, citing security reports indicating that such facilities were being exploited by criminal networks.

In addition, the use of motorcycles has been prohibited throughout Matazu and Musawa LGAs. Authorities believe the restriction will significantly disrupt the movement and operations of bandits and kidnappers who frequently rely on motorcycles for transportation.

Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the statement noted, “Security assessments have shown that these facilities are being exploited by criminal networks to facilitate their activities.”

Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that the safety of residents remains a top priority.

He assured citizens that the government would continue collaborating with security agencies to restore peace and stability across all parts of the state.

The governor also urged residents to support ongoing security efforts by complying with the new directives and providing useful information to security agencies whenever necessary.

Warning against violations of the order, the government stated that defaulters would face the full weight of the law.

“The Katsina State Government remains committed to taking all lawful and necessary measures to ensure that communities across the state remain safe, secure and conducive to economic and social activities,” the statement added.