Police Foil Cattle Rustling Operation, Recover Livestock After Gun Battle in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has thwarted a cattle rustling operation and recovered dozens of stolen livestock following a fierce overnight confrontation with suspected bandits in Bakori Local Government Area.

The operation, carried out late on June 2, followed intelligence reports that armed criminals had attacked Gidan Dan Maye village along the Gangaren Makurdi-Jargaba corridor and rustled several animals belonging to local residents.

According to police authorities, the attackers made away with at least 12 cows and an unspecified number of sheep before attempting to escape.

Acting on the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Bakori Division immediately mobilised a tactical team and coordinated efforts with local vigilante groups to pursue the suspects. Security operatives tracked the fleeing bandits to the outskirts of Gidan Baushe village, where both sides engaged in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Faced with sustained pressure from the security team, the suspects reportedly abandoned all stolen animals and fled into surrounding bushes. Police believe some members of the gang may have sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation.

Police spokesperson DSP Abubakar Sadiq confirmed that all recovered livestock had been returned to their owners. He added that security agencies have intensified efforts to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects.

Commending officers and community vigilantes involved in the operation, Commissioner of Police Ali Umar Fage described the recovery as another significant success in the ongoing fight against banditry.

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible intelligence capable of preventing criminal activities before they occur.

The successful operation has been welcomed by residents who have repeatedly suffered attacks by cattle rustlers and armed groups operating across rural communities in the state.