The Katsina State Police Command has dismissed reports of bandits blocking the Katsina-Kano Highway at Gidan Mutum Daya, Kusada Local Government Area, describing the viral claim as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, 2026, the Command clarified that the temporary disruption of traffic along the highway on Thursday resulted from a security operation that led to the arrest of two suspected bandits and the recovery of more than 150 suspected rustled livestock.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the operation began at about 5:00 p.m. on October 15, when members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) and local vigilantes arrested two suspects during a routine patrol based on actionable intelligence.
The suspects were identified as Abdulkadir Umar, 23, and Suleiman Baiti, 21.
The statement said preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects confessed to belonging to a syndicate of armed bandits allegedly terrorising parts of the state.
Following the arrests, police operatives attached to the Kusada Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), mobilised alongside the Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes to a location identified by the suspects.
The operation, conducted at about 6:30 p.m., resulted in the recovery of over 150 suspected rustled animals, comprising cattle, goats and sheep.
The recovered livestock were subsequently moved to a secure facility.
The Police Command explained that traffic along the Katsina-Kano Highway was briefly halted to allow the large herd of animals to cross the road safely during the operation.
It stressed that normal traffic flow resumed immediately after the livestock had been moved, insisting that there was no bandit attack, criminal roadblock or threat to commuters.
The Command said investigations into the case were ongoing and that further developments would be communicated to the public in due course.
The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the security operatives for their collaboration and prompt response, noting that the operation demonstrated the importance of synergy among security agencies and local security groups.
He reassured residents and travellers that the Katsina-Kano Highway remained secure, safe and fully motorable.
The Police Command also urged members of the public to disregard the circulating rumour and refrain from sharing unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic.
It advised residents to verify security-related reports through credible and official sources before sharing them on social media.
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