Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command have successfully foiled a cattle rustling operation and recovered dozens of stolen animals after engaging suspected armed bandits in a fierce gun battle in Bakori Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, which took place late Tuesday night, dealt another blow to criminal elements operating in rural communities across Katsina State.
According to the Police Command, information was received at the Bakori Divisional Headquarters at about 11:00 p.m. on June 2, 2026, that heavily armed bandits had invaded Gidan Dan Maye Village along the Gangaren Makurdi–Jargaba axis, making away with 12 cows and an unspecified number of sheep.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bakori mobilised a team of police operatives who joined forces with members of the local Vigilante Group to pursue the attackers.
Security sources said the combined team tactically tracked the fleeing rustlers to the outskirts of Gidan Baushe Village, where they caught up with the suspects and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Faced with superior police tactics and sustained pressure, the bandits reportedly abandoned all the stolen livestock and fled into nearby hideouts with suspected gunshot wounds.
The recovered animals were subsequently secured and returned to their rightful owners, bringing relief to affected residents whose livelihoods depended largely on livestock farming.
Police authorities described the operation as a significant success in the ongoing campaign against banditry, cattle rustling, and other rural crimes that have threatened communities across parts of the state.
The Command disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network behind the attack.
Commending the officers and vigilante members involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, praised their courage, professionalism, and swift response.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Katsina State and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven within its jurisdiction.
The Police Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains critical in the fight against banditry and other security threats.
The latest operation underscores the growing collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups in tackling crime and restoring confidence among rural communities affected by persistent attacks.
As security operations intensify across Katsina, authorities have expressed optimism that sustained pressure on criminal groups will further weaken their activities and improve safety in vulnerable communities.
About The Author
