No fewer than eleven people have been killed as bandits launched a reprisal attack in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State on Sunday.
” Regrettably, today, May 3rd, 2026, ( Sunday) at about 1200hrs, following these operational successes, the bandits regrouped and launched a reprisal attack on the Jeka da kolo and Kwalgoro villages of Kankia LGA. 11 persons were fatally shot during the attack before police tactical teams re-mobilised and repelled the bandits”, a statement from the state police command headquarters revealed.
The Command’s spokesman, DSP Abubakar Aliyu said in the statement that operatives of the command had earlier recorded success by repealing the bandits’ initial attacks in the council.
The statement added that the operatives were able to recover no fewer than 205 animals earlier rustled by the bandits .
It explained that the bandits regrouped on Sunday to carry out the reprisal attack before the command’s operatives mobilised and repel them.
The statement read “The Katsina State Police Command has recorded two major operational successes against armed bandits in Kankia LGA, Katsina State, leading to a significant blow to the criminals. On 29th April 2026, at Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages of Kankia LGA, the command foiled a bandit’s cattle rustling attack and recovered 205 rustled animals comprising 91 cows and 114 sheep. On May 2nd operatives of the command foiled another attack on Matinjin village, as several bandits escaped with various degrees of gunshot injuries due to the intense firefight and recovered 8 bandits’ operational motorcycles.
” Regrettably, today, May 3rd, 2026, (Sunday)at about 1200hrs, following these operational successes, the bandits regrouped and launched a reprisal attack on the Jeka da kolo and Kwalgoro villages of Kankia LGA. 11 persons were fatally shot during the attack before police tactical teams re-mobilised and repelled the assailants.
” The Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage , condemns the reprisal attack in strong terms and extends his condolences to the families of the deceased. He has described the attack as cowardly and barbaric.
“The CP has immediately deployed additional tactical teams to the area and ordered an aggressive, intelligence-led manhunt to identify and arrest the perpetrators. Bush combing operations and coordinated patrols have been intensified to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
“Efforts are being sustained to identify and arrest all persons involved in the attack and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.”
The command assured Katsina State residents of its unwavering commitment towards delivering on its mandate to protect lives and property., assuring “The command will not relent until peace and normalcy are fully restored”
The statement added “members of the public are urged to remain calm but vigilant and to continue providing timely and credible information to aid the command’s crime-fighting efforts. Report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency lines: 0815 697 7777 or 0707 272 2539.”
