Gunmen have raided the Mainika community in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, killing a herder and rustling over 300 cattle.

They were said to have attacked the area on Wednesday evening.

‎Confirming the incident, the Councillor of Mainika Ward, Auwal Abdussalam Barau, said the attackers came with dangerous weapons and were suspected to have crossed from the neighbouring Katsina State.

‎He said, “They came around 6 p.m. on Wednesday and rustled over 300 cattle, killing a herder who tried to resist them.

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‎“After the attack, soldiers and vigilantes were mobilised. They chased the attackers and eventually succeeded in rescuing over 100 cattle.

‎“This is not the first time they are attacking this area. There was a time they kidnapped a housewife and a young man, then they came back and kidnapped an aged man. This is the third attack on our area.

‎“The security has given us assurance that the remaining cattle will be recovered as well.”

‎The councillor called on the state government to consider establishing a military base in the area to help counter further attacks.

‎The Kano State Police Command also confirmed the incident and announced that operatives, in collaboration with the Military Joint Task Force (JTF), recovered 67 cows, one donkey, and one sheep from the rustlers during a swift operation.

‎According to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Command received credible intelligence on May 6, 2026, at about 6:15 p.m. that suspected cattle rustlers had attacked villages around Gwarzo and neighbouring areas.

‎He said, “A combined team of Police operatives and Military JTF personnel was mobilised, and on sighting the security team, the suspects engaged them in a gun duel. They were overpowered and forced to abandon the livestock before fleeing outside the state.

‎“The recovered animals were taken into safe custody at the Gwarzo Division and formally handed over to their rightful owners on May 7, 2026, through the District Heads, under the supervision of the Local Government Chairman,” Kiyawa added.

Gwarzo is one of the local government areas in Kano bordering Katsina.

Amid growing concerns, residents have called on security agencies to intensify efforts to prevent the area from becoming a safe haven for criminals. (Daily Trust)