11 Killed in Katsina as Police Intensify Search for Bandit Killers

11 Killed in Katsina as Police Intensify Search for Bandit Killers

The Nigeria Police Force in Katsina State has launched an intensive manhunt for armed bandits responsible for the killing of 11 residents in coordinated attacks on communities in the Kankia area, vowing that the perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted.

The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Ali Umar-Fage, gave the assurance while directing heightened tactical operations following the deadly reprisal attacks, which have left communities in shock and mourning.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the Commissioner said security operatives had already intensified operations across affected areas, combining bush-combing missions, surveillance, and coordinated patrols to locate fleeing suspects.

Umar-Fage noted that prior to the deadly incident, police operatives had recorded significant operational successes against armed groups operating in the area.

He disclosed that on April 29, security forces foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, recovering 205 stolen animals, including 91 cows and 114 sheep.

According to him, another attack was repelled on Saturday in Matinjin village, during which several bandits reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, while eight motorcycles believed to be linked to their operations were recovered by security operatives.

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However, the situation escalated on Sunday when the armed groups regrouped and launched fresh assaults on Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages around midday.

“The attack occurred around noon, killing 11 persons before tactical teams were mobilised to repel the assailants,” Umar-Fage said.

He described the assault as “cowardly and barbaric,” extending condolences to the families of those killed and assuring that justice would be served.

The police commissioner confirmed that additional tactical units had been deployed to reinforce security presence in the affected communities, as operations continue to prevent further attacks.

He stressed that ongoing bush-combing operations and coordinated patrols are aimed at tracking down the fleeing suspects and dismantling their networks.

“We will not relent until peace and normalcy are fully restored,” he said, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Residents have been urged to remain calm, stay vigilant, and provide credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing operations.

Security analysts say the repeated cycle of attacks and reprisals in parts of Katsina reflects the broader insecurity challenge in Nigeria’s North-West, where armed bandit groups continue to target rural communities despite sustained military and police operations.

Authorities say further updates will be communicated as investigations and field operations progress.

11 Killed in Katsina as Police Intensify Search for Bandit Killers