A Fierce gunfight between bandits and operatives of the Community Watch Corps (CWC) has left at least 15 persons dead in Katsina State.

The incident, which occured late Monday night, happened at Falale community, in Jibia Local Council .

It was gathered that the bandits had made attempt to storm the community with the view of carrying out nefarious activities.

But the members of CWC were said to have been alerted, and they swiftly moved to the area where the confrontation occured.

The CWC is a security group set up by the state government to complement efforts of conventional security operatives in tackling banditry and related criminality in the state.

The Guardian gathered that 15 persons lost their lives during the gunfight, with the bandits and CWC operatives suffering casualties.

It was also learnt that many of the injured were receiving treatment in hospital.

Deceased persons were said to have been buried yesterday morning according to Islamic rites.

The state, which is grappling with security challenges brought about by activities of bandits and terrorists, has witnessed series of attacks in recent times.

Last week, bandits attacked two communities in Musawa and Dandume local councils, where they killed 14 persons and injured many others.

Early February, bandits also attacked Doma community in Faskari Local Council, killing more than 20 persons and injuring many others.

But security operatives have been making efforts to tackle the challenge, with a successful operation leading to the killing of 45 bandits in Danumusa Local Council about three weeks weeks ago.

Confirming the incident, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, stated that the incident occured on March 17, at Falale and Kadobe villages.

He added that order had since been restored and called on residents to remain calm, assuring of the state government’s commitment to peace and order.

“The Katsina State Government has confirmed that a violent clash occurred in Falale and Kadobe villages in Jibia Local Council on March 17, 2026. The incident resulted in loss of 15 lives, but security forces have since restored order and stabilised the situation.

“The vigilante from the affected villages engaged repentant bandits, resulting in three casualties. The incident triggered a violent reprisal that claimed additional lives in the communities,” he stated.