A notorious terrorist commander known as Gwaska, who held the position of second-in-command to a leader affiliated with ISWAP, has been neutralized alongside over 100 other criminals in a significant military offensive carried out in Katsina State.
The disclosure was made on Friday by the Katsina State’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, through an official statement.
“On April 10, 2025, the Nigerian Army’s 17th Brigade and 213 Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force executed a coordinated strike on bandit strongholds in Mununu Bakai, Zango, Jeka Arera, Malali, and Ruwan Godiya areas spanning Kankara and Faskari Local Government Areas,” the statement read.
According to Mu’azu, the carefully planned mission was driven by credible intelligence and focused on specific hideouts notorious for harboring criminal elements.
He added, “The precision operation, based on actionable intelligence, eliminated a high-value target identified as Gwaska, who served as second-in-command to an ISWAP-linked leader.”
Further details revealed that Gwaska had recently relocated from Danmusa Local Government Area to Mununu Forest, where he was located and taken out by the security forces.
“During the operation, the forces recovered and subsequently destroyed two machine guns, locally fabricated shotguns, and other weapons to prevent their reuse by criminal elements,” Mu’azu said.
He emphasized that this successful military engagement has significantly disrupted the operations of armed groups that have long plagued communities in Kankara, Faskari, Malumfashi, Bakori, and Kafur.
In a separate effort, troops launched another offensive on a known bandit corridor in the Dutsen Wori area, located along the Dandume-Kandamba Road near the boundary between Faskari and Sabuwa Local Government Areas.
“The operation, executed at approximately 3:45 am, resulted in the elimination of six bandits, including their commander, while several other bandits escaped with various degrees of bullet wounds,” the statement said.
Seven motorcycles were seized during the raid, and four others were seen speeding into the forest.
Reports indicated the assailants were tracked from their Maigora/Doroyi camp in Faskari.
“It’s worthy of note that no casualties were reported among the security personnel who participated in this operation,” Mu’azu added.
Responding to the development, Governor Dikko Radda reiterated his government’s unwavering stance against insecurity in the state.
“The Governor, through the joint efforts of security forces, is committed to rooting out criminals from their hideouts and ensuring every forest is thoroughly monitored to protect the residents of Katsina.”
“The Governor further expressed confidence in the ongoing collaboration between security agencies and communities, noting that with sustained efforts and divine support, peace will be restored,” the statement read.
Mu’azu concluded that the recent successful operations were part of a broader initiative to restore peace and security across Katsina State and the larger Northwest region.
