The Katsina State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing war against banditry, successfully foiling separate kidnapping and cattle rustling operations, rescuing 11 abducted passengers and recovering 25 stolen cows.
The dramatic operations were carried out on the night of May 18, 2026, in Kankara and Malumfashi Local Government Areas of the state.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, armed bandits at about 8:45 p.m. blocked the Sheme-Kankara Road near Kakumi Village in Kankara LGA, where they intercepted an unregistered Toyota Hiace bus travelling to Kano with 11 passengers on board.
The attackers reportedly abducted all the occupants and fled into the bush, triggering an immediate response from the Divisional Police Officer of Kankara Division and his operatives.
Police teams swiftly stormed the area and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle. Unable to withstand the superior firepower of the operatives, the bandits abandoned all the victims and escaped into the forest.
All 11 kidnapped passengers were rescued unhurt, while security forces intensified bush-combing operations to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation barely minutes later, suspected armed bandits attacked Badawa Village in Malumfashi LGA and rustled 25 cows.
Acting on a distress call received at about 8:50 p.m., the DPO Malumfashi mobilised APC patrol teams and intercepted the criminals along a suspected escape route at the outskirts of the village.
A gun duel reportedly ensued, forcing the bandits to abandon the stolen cattle and flee the scene.
The police confirmed that all 25 recovered cows were safely returned to their rightful owners, while security patrols and surveillance have been intensified across the affected communities.
Commending the bravery and professionalism of the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, praised the swift response that led to the successful rescue and recovery operations.
He reassured residents that the Command remains fully committed to sustaining aggressive offensives against kidnappers, cattle rustlers, and other criminal elements threatening peace in the state.
The Police Command also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing operations against banditry and violent crimes across Katsina State.
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