Bandits have killed at least eleven people in a reprisal attack on communities in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Katsina State Police Command said the incident occurred on Sunday at about 1200hrs, when the attackers regrouped and stormed Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages, opening fire on residents before security operatives intervened.
According to the police, tactical teams were quickly re-mobilised and successfully repelled the assailants after the deadly assault.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, condemned the killings, describing the attack as cowardly and barbaric. He also extended condolences to the families of the victims.
In a statement signed by the command’s spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the Commissioner ordered an aggressive, intelligence-driven manhunt to track down those responsible and deployed additional tactical teams to the affected communities.
The statement noted that bush-combing operations and coordinated patrols have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent further violence.
The command reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging members of the public to remain calm but vigilant while supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
“Report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency lines: 0815 697 7777 or 0707 272 2539. Further developments will be communicated in due course,” the statement said.
Police also explained that the reprisal attack followed recent operational successes against bandits in the area.
On April 29, 2026, operatives foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, recovering 205 animals, including 91 cows and 114 sheep.
Similarly, on May 2, 2026, security operatives disrupted another attack in Matinjin village, forcing several bandits to flee with gunshot wounds while recovering eight operational motorcycles.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Government condemned the attack, describing the deliberate targeting of civilians as an act of terror.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, the government extended its condolences to the victims’ families and urged residents to remain resolute.
The government disclosed that intelligence reports had earlier revealed that a notorious bandit kingpin, Mohammadu Fulani, was leading armed men toward key locations in Kankia.
It added that community members alerted security agencies, prompting a swift response led by the Divisional Police Officer of Kankia, who coordinated a joint security team that intercepted the attackers, neutralised several of them, and recovered motorcycles and rustled cattle.
However, the same group reportedly regrouped and carried out a retaliatory attack around midday on Gwalgoro Village in Gyaza/Kunduru Ward, resulting in the death of eleven persons.
The government commended security personnel for their prompt response and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between communities and security agencies.
“That intelligence partnership is what made the first interception possible — and it will continue to save lives,” the statement added.
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