The Katsina State Police Command has launched an aggressive manhunt for suspected bandits responsible for a deadly reprisal attack on several communities in Kankia Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, gave the directive following the latest wave of violence, which left 11 people dead.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the commissioner noted that recent operations by security forces had recorded significant successes against criminal elements in the area prior to the attack.
According to Umar-Fage, police operatives on April 29 foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, recovering a total of 205 livestock, including 91 cows and 114 sheep.
He further disclosed that officers repelled another attempted attack on Matinjin village on Saturday, forcing several bandits to flee with gunshot injuries.
Eight motorcycles believed to have been used by the suspects were also recovered during the operation.
However, the criminals reportedly regrouped and launched fresh attacks on Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages around noon on Sunday, resulting in multiple fatalities before security operatives were deployed to contain the situation.
Describing the incident as “cowardly and barbaric,” Umar-Fage expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that efforts were underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He said additional tactical teams had been deployed to the affected communities to reinforce security operations, while bush-combing exercises and coordinated patrols were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, pledging that security agencies would not relent until peace is fully restored.
Residents were urged to remain calm, stay vigilant, and provide credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing investigations.
Police authorities said further updates would be provided as the situation develops.
