KatsinaTimes
The Katsina State Police Command has foiled a cattle rustling attempt by suspected armed bandits and recovered 554 rustled animals as well as several firearms during separate security operations across the state, police said on Tuesday.
According to the command, the first incident occurred on February 6, 2026, at about 0010 hours, when suspected armed bandits invaded Sabuwar Kasa village in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State, firing sporadically and rustling herds of livestock before fleeing the scene.
Police said that upon receiving the report, nearby divisions were alerted, and operatives from the Malumfashi Division, in collaboration with the military and members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, tracked the suspects and engaged them in a gun battle.
The suspects were forced to flee due to what police described as superior firepower and tactics. A total of 554 rustled animals were recovered, comprising 290 cows and 264 sheep, the command said.
In a separate operation on February 8, 2026, at about 1205 hours, a joint team of police officers and vigilante members attached to the Jibia Division recovered arms and ammunition during intelligence-led patrols along the Falale forest in Jibia Local Government Area.
The police said the team recovered one PKT rifle, two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, and eight rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, which were found concealed and suspected to have been hidden by criminal elements.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the ownership of the recovered weapons and to identify those involved, the command said, adding that no arrests had yet been announced in connection with the incidents.
The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Bello Shehu, commended the officers involved for what he described as professionalism and bravery, and reiterated the command’s commitment to improving security across the state. He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
The statement was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Katsina State Command, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, and dated February 10, 2026.
