February 3, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
KATSINA, Nigeria — Armed bandit groups on Tuesday carried out a violent attack in a rural community in Katsina State, burning houses and vehicles despite the existence of a recently negotiated local peace agreement, residents and authorities reported. The assault highlights ongoing security vulnerabilities in parts of northwest Nigeria and underscores the fragile nature of community-level agreements with bandit factions.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers described by residents as heavily armed individuals linked to bandit networks operating in the region entered the community in the early hours, setting fire to several homes and multiple private vehicles belonging to local families. The rapid escalation of events prompted fear and displacement among community members, many of whom fled to neighboring villages for safety.
The incident occurred despite a peace agreement that community leaders and some local bandit factions had reached with the support of traditional authorities and security officials last year. The pact was meant to reduce violence, secure farmlands, and create conditions for safer movement of residents along key rural routes. However, the recent attack indicates that the agreement has not been adhered to by certain armed actors.
Local sources reported that security forces including units of the Nigeria Police Force and mobile units from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) responded to distress calls from the community, arriving later in the morning as residents sought refuge. Authorities have not yet disclosed casualty figures, but officials confirmed that material losses include property and transport assets critical to the livelihoods of residents.
The attack has reignited debate among security analysts and community leaders about the effectiveness of local peace pacts with armed groups that operate outside formal structures. Critics argue that such deals, while well-intentioned, often lack enforcement mechanisms and fail to address underlying causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and limited state presence in rural areas. Proponents of negotiated arrangements, however, maintain that engagement can reduce violence if paired with sustained government follow-through and economic support for affected communities.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Katsina State Government condemned the incident and assured that security agencies are tracking those responsible for the breach. The government reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens and restoring peace in affected areas. Authorities also called for increased community cooperation with security units, including sharing information that could prevent future attacks.
The renewed violence comes amid ongoing efforts by federal and state authorities to stabilise parts of northwest Nigeria that have suffered recurring banditry, kidnappings and raids over the past decade. While some regions have seen temporary reductions in violence through a combination of military operations and local agreements, sporadic attacks continue to challenge long-term stability.
As residents assess losses and begin the process of recovery, local leaders are calling for urgent government support, including security reinforcement, reconstruction aid, and initiatives to improve early-warning communication systems for vulnerable communities.