The Katsina State Police Command has successfully thwarted two separate bandit attacks in Kankia and Musawa local government areas, resulting in the rescue of three kidnapped victims and the recovery of twelve rustled cows. The police reported these developments in a statement issued by the Command's Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq.

On October 6, 2026, at approximately 9:30 PM, police received a distress call regarding an attack on Fakuwa village by suspected armed bandits. The assailants had kidnapped three individuals and stolen twelve cows. In response, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kankia mobilized a team of police operatives alongside local vigilantes to the scene. They engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, which ultimately forced the attackers to abandon their mission and retreat into the nearby forest, likely sustaining injuries in the process.

The police were able to rescue all three victims unharmed and recover the stolen cattle, reuniting the victims with their families shortly after the operation.

In a separate incident, bandits attempted to block the Kiryoyi-Dangani Road in Musawa Local Government Area around 1:30 AM on Wednesday. Following another distress call, the DPO of Musawa led a team from the Vigilance and Community Response Unit to confront the bandits. A gunfight ensued, compelling the attackers to flee the area. A subsequent search operation resulted in the discovery of the body of one suspected bandit, along with a machete found nearby.

The Katsina State Police have emphasized their ongoing efforts to track down the fleeing suspects. Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, praised the bravery and professionalism of the police operatives involved in the operations. He also called on community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to assist in the fight against crime in the region.

This recent success follows another operation in September, where police repelled a bandit attack in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, rescuing four victims and recovering an AK-47 rifle with live ammunition. The police have been actively working to combat the rising wave of banditry in the state, urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure safety and security.