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Tag: Katsina

  • Home teams rule centenary polo fiesta in Katsina

    Home teams rule centenary polo fiesta in Katsina

    The ancient kingdom of Katsina celebrated one of their grandest moments at the just concluded 2025 Katsina polo tournament that marked the centenary of the Nigerian Polo Association and memorial of its founding father and late Emir of Katsina, Sir Usman Nagogo.

    The eight-day international polo festival that delivers exceptional polo, refined hospitality, community celebration and unparallel excitement, was dominated by home teams with Katsina Max Air, Katsina Aldusar, Katsina Danmarna, Mangal Cement and other share tournament top laurels.

    As expected, thousands of enthusiasts and guests were treated to high-stake sporting spectacle as Max Air outpaced Mangal Cement to win the event’s biggest prize, the Nigerian Cup along with the Dikko Memorial Cup.

    Katsina Danmarna and Mangal Cement finished tops in the race for the event’s second most wanted prize, Gen. Hassan Katsina Cup, just as Muhammadu Sarki-powered Katsina Aldusar and defeated their local rival, Katsina Darma Rice to clinch the glittering Talba Cup.

    In a grueling low-goal cup final, arch rivals, Katsina AK Oil & Gas and, Katsina Halima Uku team square up but it was the former  that took away the Wazirin Katsina Cup and caped the home teams’ domination of the grand fiesta that featured professional players from Argentina and Iran.

    Best performances from visiting teams came from Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt respectively. Lagos Falgate Abure led by the newly elected Lagos Polo Club President, Adeyemo Alakija, won the Muhammadu Kabir Memorial Cup while Port Harcourt YB and Kano Pop teams shared the spoils in the Muhammadu Buhari Cup.

    Read Also: Players’ union hails NPFL over fair hearing for goalkeeper Adeyinka

    Top firing Al-Muazzam also enjoyed podium celebration after out pacing their Danmasani to clinch the Maidabino Cup. Players who distinguished themselves, corporate sponsors, individual partners who during the centenary celebration festival, also smiled home with recognition awards.

    Beyond the podium celebration by the winners and the runners-ups, the NPA Centenary and Sir Usman Nagogo tournament provided an elegant backdrop for what would be a year-long celebration across major polo clubs across the country.

    Throughout the eight-day grand celebration, the foremost Usman Nagogo Polo Ground that hosted the event was transformed into a hub of activities, blending the competitive spirit of polo with an unmatched social experience. Guests browsed through a curated marketplace, dined on gourmet offerings during the Centenary Dinner and mingled in a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere.

    In his closing remarks, the President of Katsina Polo Club Sanusi Kabir Usman, thanked the Katsina Government, Katsina Emirate Council and other benefactors and partners for immense support. He hails all the participating teams and visiting clubs for making the fiesta a fitting and a memorable celebration.

    Chairman Katsina Polo Club, Muhammadu Sarki and Tournament manager, Mallam Umar Kabir, both saluted the Tournament’s Committee for job well-done, congratulating all the winners and runners-up for their disciplines and sportsmanship during the event.

     “Every year, we strive to make our tournaments more than just a sporting event. We aim to create moments that blend tradition, community, and experience. In this centenary and memorial edition, we have achieved that—thanks to our teams, our sponsors, and everyone who joined us,” they both chorused.”

    The Nigeria Polo Association (NPA) was formed in 1925 by the late Emir of Katsina, Sir Nagogo, known and addressed as the Father of Nigerian polo. He was the leader of the noble sport in Nigeria and revered as the best first African player to have risen to the height of seven- goals handicap rating in the world. He sat in the Executive Board of the Federation of International Polo (FIP) as the Representative of Zone D that includes all of Africa and Asia.

  • Family of three kidnapped in Katsina

    Family of three kidnapped in Katsina

    A gang of hoodlums yesterday kidnapped a man, his wife and daughter, in his residence at Anas Ahmadu, Katsina.

    In a statement, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said the hoodlums also shot Abdullahi Muhammad, 25, adding that the hoodlums escaped before the arrival of policemen.

    He said on receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) rushed to the scene, and restored normalcy. He also said investigation had started.

    READ ALSO; What does Remi Tinubu want?

    He said the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, Bello Shehu, in company of the command’s management team, Area Commander Metro, DPOs, as well as the command’s OC Anti-Kidnapping, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.

    The CP, he added, deployed more personnel and assets to ensure prompt rescue of the victims and arrest of the perpetrators’.

    The command called on the public to report criminal activities to the nearest police station.

  • Army to step up military presence operational assets in Katsina – COAS

    Army to step up military presence operational assets in Katsina – COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Olufemi Oluyede has pledged increased military presence and operational facilities to contain rampaging banditry attacks in Katsina State. 

    He spoke while during a courtesy call on the Acting Governor Lawal Jobe at Government House Katsina where he also commended troops over the rescue of 76 kidnap victims. 

    Oluyede, who led a high-powered delegation including officers from GOC-17 Brigade, stressed that security requires collective efforts.

    He said: ”While we have personnel within a limited operational space, we cannot succeed without active support from the people”

    ”The Nigerian Army belongs to the people. Your cooperation is vital to making Katsina State safer.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Nigeria should shut borders to deal with terrorism, says ex-COAS Buratai

    “Such tragedies strengthen our resolve to secure communities. discussions with the Acting Governor would shape future strategic interventions.”

    The Acting Governor and the Army Chief jointly thanked President Bola Tinubu for deploying a strong delegation to assess Katsina’s security situation and provide additional support.

    The Chief of Army Staff was accompanied by Major-General Uhu Shote, Commander of the Division of Farsan Yanma; Major-General I.A. Ajose, General Staff Commanding, 8th Division; Major-General A.A. Idris, Chief of Military  Intelligence; Major-General M.O. Erebelu, Provost-Marshal Army; Air Commodore G.I. Jibia, Commander of the Nigerian Airforce; Brigadier-General B.O. Omapariola, Commander of the 17th Brigade

  • NAF rescues 76, destroys Babaro enclave in Katsina

    NAF rescues 76, destroys Babaro enclave in Katsina

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF,) has struck in its ongoing manhunt for the notorious bandit kingpin Babaro and his gang behind the recent deadly attack on Gidan Mantau in Malumfashi Local Government Area. 

    A statement by the Katsina cyommissioner for Internal Security, Nasir Muazu, said NAF carried out a decisive air operation at Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Government Area, rescuing 76 kidnapped victims, including women and children.

    According to him: “The precision air interdiction, conducted between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., specifically targeted Babaro’s stronghold at Pauwa Hill—one of his most notorious bases that has long been a source of terror to surrounding communities. 

    ”Confirming the development, the Ministry can reveal that the rescued victims included all those abducted during the attack on Unguwan Mantau in Malumfashi. 

    “However, it was regrettably noted that one child tragically lost his life during the ordeal. 

    ”This breakthrough reflects the renewed momentum of security operations across Katsina State. 

    The strike is part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal hideouts, weaken their networks, and put an end to the cycle of killings, kidnappings, and extortion that have plagued innocent citizens.

    ”The rescue of the kidnapped victims further underscores the effectiveness of coordinated air and ground operations, as security forces intensify their efforts to flush out bandits and restore confidence among the people.” 

  • Katsina Govt. urges residents to register for PVCs ahead of 2027 polls

    Katsina Govt. urges residents to register for PVCs ahead of 2027 polls

    The Special Adviser to Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State on Political Matters, Alhaji Ya’u Gwajo-Gwajo, has urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

    He encouraged eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to ensure active participation in future elections.

    In a statement issued on Saturday in Katsina, Gwajo-Gwajo called on eligible citizens to take part in the voter registration process.

    He specifically urged those who recently turned 18 or wish to transfer their polling units to visit the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) pre-registration portal for online registration.

    He also reminded them that physical registration would begin next week at all state and local government INEC offices.

    He emphasised the importance of maintaining and improving Katsina’s current position as the state with the fifth-highest number of registered voters in the country, which stood at more than 3.5 million as of January 2023.

    “Katsina is the third most populous state in Nigeria. Therefore, we should also aim to rank third in registered voters.

    “This can only be achieved if all adults 18 years and above participate in the CVR,” he said.

    Citing INEC data, Gwajo-Gwajo noted that more than 505,000 people had registered nationwide within just five days of the ongoing exercise, reflecting growing public interest and INEC’s effort to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.

    He urged political office holders, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, the media, and all relevant stakeholders to create awareness and mobilise citizens for the exercise.

    He also advised those who already had valid PVCs not to register again to avoid duplication.

    (NAN)

  • FG vows to hunt down Katsina worshippers’ killers

    FG vows to hunt down Katsina worshippers’ killers

    The Federal Government has vowed the perpetrators of the killing of worshippers in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State will not go unpunished.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said the government will hunt down and bring to justice the perpetrators of the heinous crime. 

    Idris, who described the killings as callous and barbaric, said security forces were already on the trail of the criminals. 

    He assured no stone will be left unturned until they are apprehended and held accountable for their actions.

    The statement reads: “The Federal Government has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice the perpetrators of the heinous killing of worshippers in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State. This callous and barbaric attack on harmless citizens who had gathered in peace to worship is a crime that must not go unpunished.

    Read Also: ASUP gives FG 21-day strike notice, lists demands 

    “Security forces are already on the trail of the criminals, and no stone will be left unturned until they are apprehended and held accountable for their actions. The Government assures Nigerians that justice will be swift and decisive, and that such acts of terror will never be allowed to take root in the country. 

    “The Federal Government condemns this wanton act of violence in the strongest terms. This is not only an assault on the people of Malumfashi but also on our shared humanity and values as a nation.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extends his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Malumfashi, and the Katsina State Government. Their grief is our grief, and the Government stands with them at this dark hour. May the Almighty grant the departed eternal rest and console the bereaved with the fortitude to bear this painful loss.

     “Only recently, as part of the government efforts to bring terrorists to their knees, Nigeria’s National Counter-Insurgency Centre (NCTC) announced the arrest of top leaders of a savage group of terrorists, including Mahmud al-Nigeri of the Mahmuda group, and his deputy, Abu Abba, alongside Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Abu Baraa) of the Ansaru group. The terrorist leaders, now conveniently in the net, were on the international wanted list.

     “The arrests of the terrorist leaders are an indication of the successes being recorded by Nigeria’s counter terrorism operations as directed by President Tinubu, who has made it very clear that acts of terrorism against the Nigerian state and its citizens will soon be a spectre of the past.   

    “The Federal Government, therefore, reiterates that those who shed innocent blood will find no hiding place in Nigeria.”

  • Katsina launches training for 18,000 teachers, distributes 20,000 tablets

    Katsina launches training for 18,000 teachers, distributes 20,000 tablets

    The Katsina State Government has launched a step-down training programme for 18,000 teachers and begun the distribution of 20,000 tablets to enhance teaching and learning in the state.

    The ceremony, held at the Local Government Service Commission Conference Hall, Kaita Road, was presided over by Deputy Governor Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe, who represented Governor Dikko Umar Radda.

    Jobe said the initiative was part of the administration’s holistic efforts to reposition education, boost teaching quality, and prepare Katsina children for global competitiveness.

    He highlighted other interventions in the sector, including the distribution of school materials and 30,000 uniforms to less privileged pupils, provision of specialised aids for schools for the blind and deaf, installation of CCTV cameras in 130 schools, and the supply of 70 motorcycles to monitoring officers to strengthen supervision, especially in rural areas.

    Read Also: Katsina government tackles malnutrition through comprehensive health, nutrition, food security measures

    “These are not just statistics but a strategic investment in the future of our children,” the Deputy Governor said. “By equipping teachers with modern tools and training, we are aligning our educational system with global standards.”

    Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Zainab Musa Musawa, described the initiative as “a significant milestone” in restoring the glory of education in the state. She thanked the World Bank, UBEC and other partners for their support, assuring that the government would sustain teacher empowerment through capacity-building programmes.

    State Project Coordinator of the TESS programme, Hajiya Binta Abdulmumini, explained that 18,000 teachers will be trained by 90 master trainers who have undergone specialised training. Each participant, she added, will receive a tablet preloaded with lesson plans and digital teaching resources.

    Chairperson of the Katsina State Teachers’ Association, Hajiya Rakiya Shehu, commended the government’s commitment to teachers and students, urging stakeholders to ensure the programme’s success.

    The event was attended by top dignitaries, including the Chief Judge of Katsina State, Justice Musa Danladi; Commissioner for Higher, Technical and Vocational Education; Permanent Secretary, MBASE, Hajiya Ummulkhairi Ahmed Bawa; SUBEB Chairman, Dr. Kabir Magaji; Deputy Chief of Staff at Government House; CEO Continental Computers, Alh. Salisu Mamman Kadandani; senior officials and security chiefs.

  • Death toll in Katsina mosque attack rises to 32

    Death toll in Katsina mosque attack rises to 32

    The death toll from the attack by bandits on worshippers at a mosque the Unguwar Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State has hit 32, the state government said yesterday.

    The Media Directorate of the government said this after a visit by a delegation led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Faskari, to the community.

    The delegation was received in Karfi by the village head and relatives of the deceased.

    “During the condolence visit, it was confirmed that 32 people were killed while observing prayers. The number of those kidnapped is still being verified, as a swift air interdiction by the Nigerian Air Force disrupted the bandits while they were moving with captives.

    “In the ensuing confusion, some victims scattered in different directions, while others were rescued and are now receiving treatment in hospitals,” the statement read.

    Read Also: Air strike: 62 kidnapped victims escape Katsina bandits’ den – Official

    According to the statement, the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, who is on medical leave, consulted with the Acting Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, on the urgent need to dispatch a delegation to commiserate with the bereaved families and affected community.

    Faskari described the attack as a “deeply painful and heartbreaking tragedy”.

    He said: “Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones in this senseless attack. This administration remains committed to working with all security agencies to ensure justice is served and to prevent such tragedies in the future.’’

    The delegation assured the community that support had been extended to the victims’ families, while an assessment of damages and needs was  underway.

    It included the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu; Senior Special Assistant on Community Watch, the Senior Special Assistant on Victims of Banditry and IDPs, the member representing Malumfashi at state House of Assembly; the chairman of Malumfashi Local Government.

    Others were heads of security agencies in the state, including the Commissioner of Police, Commander of the Nigerian Army 17 Brigade, Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

    Meanwhile, some angry youths of the community, on Tuesday, took to the Malumfashi–Funtua highway to protest the killings.

    The protesters, in their numbers, reportedly barricaded the highway, a major route linking Kano to Funtua, Gusau, and Sokoto Road, leaving motorists and commuters stranded for hours.

    The protest, according to eyewitnesses, eventually spread into Malumfashi town, causing a gridlock, and forcing many travellers to abandon their trips.

    The police had earlier yesterday said the death toll from the attack rose to 17.

  • Air strike: 62 kidnapped victims escape Katsina bandits’ den – Official

    Air strike: 62 kidnapped victims escape Katsina bandits’ den – Official

    The Katsina government has confirmed that 62 kidnapped victims escaped following an air strike on the camp of a notorious bandits’ kingpin, Muhammadu Fulani in Danmusa Local Government Area of the state.

    Dr Nasir Mu’azu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the development in a statement, on Monday in Katsina.

    The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) air strike was targeted at Jigawa-Sawai area on the border with Zamfara.

    Mu’azu said that 12 of the escaped victims were currently receiving medical attention at Matazu General Hospital, while 16 others at the Nigerian Army Forward Operational Base (FOB) in Kaiga Malamai.

    “The Nigerian Air Force operation, conducted on Saturday at 05:10 p.m., forced the bandits to flee their stronghold, creating the opportunity for the mass escape of victims held captive.

    “During interviews with the rescued victims, it was confirmed that the bandits fled as a result of the airstrike.

    “The victims revealed that about 62 people escaped and took off in different directions.

    Read Also: Hundreds of families displaced by wave of Israeli air strikes on Gaza, witnesses say

    “Majority of the victims were abducted from Sayaya village during a night attack on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, by Fulani’s gang, that has been terrorising Matazu, Kankia, Dutsinma, and parts of Kano State,” he said.

    He said the state government has deployed Quick Response Wing of the Nigerian Air Force, to restore peace to the troubled communities in Bakori and Matazu LGAs.

    “Our troops are currently monitoring the situation for further rescue operations,” he said.

    The commissioner assured the affected families that the government would reunite the rescued victims with their loved ones after completing necessary medical examinations.

    (NAN)

  • Banditry: Katsina rallies communities

    Banditry: Katsina rallies communities

    • Govt set to engage on town hall meetings

    The Kastina State Government has rallied community support and solidarity in her determination to crush banditry attacks in the state.

    The Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, who made the clarion call while addressing newsmen in katsina. also lamented the continued security challenges bedeviling some parts of the state, saying some communities and informants were responsible for 80 per cent of the increasing security situation in the state.

    Muazu said that some community members who own shops were in the habit of selling their products to bandits at exorbitant prices, making it difficult to obtain their cooperation in addressing the security challenge.

    He said: “In one of the communities affected by insecurity, a man was found to be selling a bottle of Coca-Cola for N3,000; another sold fuel for N5,000 per litre to bandits.

    “Hard drugs that are usually sold for little amounts of money at pharmacies and other related centres are sold in millions of naira by community members to the bandits.

     “Some community members often connive with bandits to abduct hapless victims, including family members.

    “In another case, we found a man who connived with bandits to abduct his biological father, who was diabetic. When the bandits brought him to their hideout, they had already bought him diabetic tablets for his daily consumption.

    “The sum of N30 million was paid as ransom for the man, and N8 million was given to the man for compromising and allowing his father to be abducted.”

    Muazu also said informants are known to alert bandits whenever Nigeria Air Force, NAF, jets leave the airport with the aim of bombing their hideouts.

    He said the jet fighters often fail to acquire their target and frequently have to return to base due to unsuccessful missions.

    Read Also: Agitators seek creation of Karadua State from Katsina

    “The jet fighters have now devised a tactic to pretend they are flying to neighboring Kano or Kaduna state, then fly back to the target destination in Katsina.”

    The commissioner further revealed that the activities of bandits constitute only about 20 per cent of the security challenges in the state, lamenting that tackling insecurity in the state can only be addressed with cooperation from affected communities.

    He further stated that arrangements were in place to stage town hall meetings at various wards and local governments to harness the viewpoints and suggestions from the communities on the way forward and called on the public to come forward with sensitive information that would lead to viable solutions in addressing insecurity, assuring that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

    Governor accuses opposition of spreading falsehood

    Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State, have noted with concern the deliberate attempts by some individuals to create panic and incite fear among residents through what he described as the ‘’spread of false and misleading information on social media’’,

    The governor through Muazu, dismissed the move by the opposition as narratives aimed at downplaying  the significant progress made in the fight against banditry and insecurity by the state government

    The Commissioner said: “When Governor Radda assumed office in 2023, all 24 local government areas of the state were affected by banditry. Today, with focused strategies and enhanced collaboration with security agencies, notable improvement has been achieved across many parts of the state.”

    “The following LGAs have been largely insulated from banditry attacks: Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa, Katsina, Batagarawa, Charanchi, Bindawa, Ingawa, Kafur, Danja, Kusada.

    “Other Improved Areas with few Remote Pockets of Insecurity include: Malumfashi, Kurfi, Dutsinma, Kankia, Musawa, Bakori, Funtua, Sabuwa, and Dandume.”

    According to the state government however, the areas still experiencing ongoing attacks needing state Government’s Intervention were Faskari, Kankara, Safana and Matazu.

    The state government further insisted that despite persistent challenges in a few LGAs,it is not relenting but  fully remained committed to restoring peace and order.

    He said: “It is unfortunate that certain social media voices, rather than support these efforts, continue to spread misinformation for political gain or attention.

    “This not only undermines the sacrifices of our security forces but also weakens community morale.

    “It’s important to remind the public that the fight against banditry is complex, many of the attacks occur deep in the forests, where response operations require time, coordination, and local intelligence.

    “That is why the Katsina Community Watch Corps was established — to assist in these difficult terrains. They are working side by side with the Army, Air Force, Police, and local vigilantes’’