The Katsina State Police Command has foiled a cattle rustling operation and recovered 12 cows stolen by suspected armed bandits in Bakori Local Government Area.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Katsina.
He stated that the incident occurred around 11 p.m. on June 2, when armed bandits invaded Gidan Dan Maye village along the Gangaren Makurdi–Jargaba axis, rustling 12 cows and an unspecified number of sheep.
Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bakori quickly mobilized police operatives and vigilante members to the area.
“The team tactically traced the suspects to a location near Gidan Baushe village, where a fierce gun battle ensued. Overpowered by the superior firepower and tactics of the security forces, the bandits abandoned all the rustled animals and fled with suspected gunshot injuries,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.
He added that all recovered animals have been returned to their rightful owners, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle their criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, commended the officers and vigilante members for their bravery and professionalism during the operation.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely, credible information to security agencies.
Sadiq-Aliyu emphasized that public cooperation is crucial for sustaining the fight against banditry and other crimes in the state.
