By Abdullahi Inuwa
KATSINA — A coordinated security operation has dealt a fresh setback to armed bandits in Katsina State after police, soldiers and members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) foiled a major cattle rustling operation, recovered 76 stolen livestock and arrested two suspected bandits in separate operations.
The breakthrough came after heavily armed bandits invaded Yarmaje and Alasawa villages in Dutsinma Local Government Area on the night of July 24, carting away dozens of animals in what appeared to be a well-coordinated raid.
But their escape was short-lived.
Acting swiftly on a distress call received at about 8:05 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer in Dutsinma deployed a joint strike team comprising operatives of the Violence Response Unit (VCRU), military personnel and members of the Community Watch Corps to pursue the fleeing criminals.
The security operatives tracked the bandits to the Faguwa-Garangamawa axis, where a fierce gun battle erupted.
Outgunned by the superior firepower and coordinated response of the joint team, the bandits abandoned their loot and fled into the surrounding bush.
The operation ended with the recovery of all 76 rustled animals—20 cows and 56 sheep—bringing relief to their owners and denying the criminals a major haul.
In another security breakthrough later that night, a routine joint patrol intercepted three suspicious men heading towards Tsintsaye Village in Musawa Local Government Area.
Police said one of the suspects was armed with an AK-47 rifle. As operatives moved in to arrest the trio, the gunman opened fire before escaping under the cover of darkness.
The patrol team, however, overpowered and arrested the remaining two suspects, identified as Babangida Lawal, 28, and Ismail Lawal, 25.
Two spent AK-47 shell casings were recovered from the scene, while investigators have launched a manhunt for the fleeing armed suspect.
The Katsina State Police Command said the arrested suspects are assisting investigators as efforts continue to dismantle the criminal network behind the operations.
Commending the courage and professionalism of the joint security team, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain the offensive against banditry and other violent crimes across the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, assuring that the command would continue to work closely with other security outfits to safeguard lives, property and livelihoods across Katsina State.
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