Katsina State Nigeria arrests seven terror commanders as bandit leader vows more attacks

Federal authorities detained seven senior terror commanders linked to ISWAP and Boko Haram as they disembarked from the 2026 Hajj at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina. The arrests were credited to a new biometric identity system that cross‑checked immigration data in real time, with Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo confirming the operation. Katsina Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and his state administration have remained silent, amid allegations that the state had previously funded pilgrimages for bandit leaders.

In a separate audio recording circulated on social media, notorious bandit leader Kachalla Maha warned he would intensify attacks in Katsina unless his detained associates and seized cattle were released. He claimed insiders tip him off about upcoming security operations and threatened to abduct the governor if his demands were ignored. The statements highlight escalating insecurity in the region and the challenges faced by security forces.