Bandits kill 11 in Katsina reprisal attack; Police launch manhunt for the terrorists

Katsina, May 3, 2026

No fewer than 11 people were killed in a reprisal attack by suspected bandits in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attackers had earlier on Saturday attempted an assault, but security operatives repelled them and reportedly neutralised several bandits.

Dr Nasir Mu’azu, Katsina Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the incidents in a statement issued on Sunday.

Mu’azu said intelligence reports revealed a notorious bandit leader, Mohammadu Fulani, was advancing with armed men toward strategic bridges.

“A joint security team, led by Kankia’s Divisional Police Officer, intercepted the gang and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.

“Several bandits were killed, while eight motorcycles and rustled cattle were recovered during the operation,” he said.

Mu’azu said the attackers later regrouped and launched another assault around midday on Gwalgoro Village in Gyaza/Kunduru Ward.

He said the fresh attack left 11 civilians dead in what authorities described as a retaliatory strike.

“The attack was a cowardly act of terror against innocent residents,” the commissioner said while condoling affected families.

Mu’azu praised security personnel for their professionalism, noting that community intelligence helped frustrate the initial attack.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and share timely information with security agencies to prevent further violence.

“The government remains committed to restoring peace and protecting lives and property across Katsina State,” he added.

In a swift reaction, the state’s Police Commissioner, Ali Umar-Fage, has ordered an aggressive manhunt for the bandits behind the reprisal attack on communities in Kankia.

The CP recalled that earlier operations recorded major successes against armed bandits operating within the local government area before the deadly attack.

He said this in a statement on Sunday by Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command.

Umar-Fage said operatives on April 29 foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages.

“Police recovered 205 animals, comprising 91 cows and 114 sheep, during the operation,” he said.

Umar-Fage added that on Saturday, officers repelled another attack on Matinjin village.

“Several bandits fled with gunshot injuries, while eight motorcycles linked to their operations were recovered,” he stated.

He said the criminals later regrouped and attacked Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages on Sunday.

“The attack occurred around noon, killing 11 persons before tactical teams were mobilised to repel the assailants,” he said.

Umar-Fage described the attack as “cowardly and barbaric” and expressed condolences to families of the victims.

He assured residents that all those responsible would be tracked down and prosecuted.

The commissioner said additional tactical teams had been deployed to affected communities to strengthen ongoing security operations.

“Bush combing operations and coordinated patrols are ongoing to track the fleeing suspects,” he said.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting life and property across the state.

“We will not relent until peace and normalcy are fully restored,” the commissioner said.

He urged residents to stay calm, remain vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security agencies.

“Further developments will be communicated as investigations progress,” he added.