By ABBAS BAMALLI

The Nigeria Police Force has foiled separate banditry and cattle rustling attacks in Katsina, recovering rifles, ammunition and 70 rustled animals.

Police spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Katsina.

He said the operations were conducted under Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, with support from other security agencies and vigilantes.

Sadiq-Aliyu said the first attack occurred on Monday at about 5 p.m. in Danya Bakwai, Jibia Local Government Area.

He said about 10 armed bandits, riding motorcycles, invaded the Fulani settlement and rustled 20 cows and 40 sheep.

“Following the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised an Armoured Personnel Carrier patrol team to the scene,” he said.

He said the team worked with the military, Katsina State Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes.

“The joint security team blocked the bandits’ escape routes and engaged them in a gun duel.

“The suspects abandoned the rustled animals and fled due to superior tactics and firepower,” he said.

Sadiq-Aliyu said all 20 cows and 40 sheep were recovered, while calm had returned to the community.

He said another operation followed on Tuesday morning in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas.

According to him, operatives responded to a distress call from Gwarjo Village in Matazu.

He said the patrol team engaged suspected bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat.

The spokesman said the operatives later advanced to Dangani Village, a known criminal hideout in Musawa.

“Another exchange of gunfire ensued, during which several suspects escaped with gunshot injuries,” he said.

He said the team recovered two AK-47 rifles, six empty magazines and 42 rounds of live ammunition.

Other items recovered included a new TVS motorcycle, a GSM handset and two military jackets.

Sadiq-Aliyu said surveillance and patrols had been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

He said Commissioner of Police praised officers and supporting security teams for their courage and coordination.

Umar-Fage said, “We remain committed to protecting lives and property across Katsina State.”

He urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.

Meanwhile, Sadiq-Aliyu said further updates on the operations would be communicated in due course. (NAN)

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