The Katsina State Police Command has repelled two separate attacks by suspected bandits in Kankia and Musawa local government areas of the state, rescuing three kidnapped victims and recovering 12 rustled cows.

The command also said one suspected bandit was killed during the operations, while efforts were ongoing to track other fleeing members of the group.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, on Wednesday.

Three victims rescued in Kankia

According to the police, suspected armed bandits attacked Fakuwa village in Kankia Local Government Area at about 9:30 p.m. on October 6, 2026.

The attackers reportedly kidnapped three people and rustled about 12 cows during the incident.

Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer in Kankia mobilised a combined team of police operatives and local vigilantes to the area.

The security team reportedly tracked the attackers and intercepted them, leading to a prolonged gun battle.

The police said the bandits were overpowered and fled into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.

The three kidnapped victims were subsequently rescued unharmed, while all 12 rustled cows were recovered and returned to their owners.

Bandits intercepted along Musawa road

In a separate incident, suspected bandits reportedly barricaded the Kiryoyi-Dangani Road in Musawa Local Government Area at about 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

The Musawa DPO, supported by personnel from the Vigilance and Community Response Unit, responded to the distress call and moved to the area.

The arrival of the security team reportedly triggered another gun battle, forcing the suspected bandits to flee.

The police subsequently conducted a cordon-and-search operation in the area and recovered the body of one suspected bandit.

A machete was reportedly found beside the deceased.

The command said efforts were continuing to locate and arrest other suspects who escaped during the confrontation.

Police commend operatives, urge public vigilance

The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the police operatives and other security personnel involved in the operations for what he described as their gallantry and professionalism.

Fage also urged residents to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist in preventing criminal activities and tracking suspects.

The command advised residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.

The latest operations come amid continued efforts by security agencies in Katsina to tackle banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling across the state.