Katsina Police Command Neutralises Scores Of Bandits, Recover 332 Rustled Animals

The Katsina State Police, in partnership with the Community Watch Corps, have apprehended a suspected known bandit boss and his collaborators, as well as recovered 332 rustled animals.

ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the state police command spokesperson, confirmed this in a statement released to journalists in Katsina on Thursday.

According to him, on February 21, 2024, at around 0800hrs, in a coordinated effort to combat the menace of banditry in the state, operatives of the State Police Command attached to Kankara and Malumfashi Divisional Headquarters, in collaboration with members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KTCWC), raided the Burdugau bandits camp in Malumfashi LGA, led by one Babayo, a suspected notorious bandits’ kingpin.

According to the statement, the team also recovered 332 suspected rustled livestock and neutralised numerous suspected armed bandits during the collaborative operation.

“Amid these commendable achievements, a member of the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KTCWC) and another member of the vigilante group were unfortunately fatally injured; one police officer was also shot and injured during the raid. However, the injured are currently receiving treatment and responding to medical care”.

CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, the state police commissioner, praised the operatives’ professionalism and bravery, saying these successful raid operations highlight the command’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of state citizens, reaffirming its resolve to confront and neutralise criminal activities in the state and ensure the safety and security of all residents.

He prayed for the repose of the slain officers’ souls and expressed his heartfelt condolences to their families, emphasising that the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices demonstrated by these officers will be remembered forever.

In a swift reaction, the state Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda saluted the gallantry of Mallam Sanusi Hassan, the Commander of Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC) in Kankara Local Government Area, who was killed by the miscreants in the operation.

“Hassan, together with four local vigilantes and two young men from Burdigau paid the supreme price during the gun battle with the terrorists loyal to the notorious bandit kingpins, Dankarami and Barbaru, who had established a new camp in Yar Tepa”.

“The government and people of Katsina State painfully mourn the gallant and fearless local security personnel, described as “true heroes of war“.

According to him, Hassan and the six men who died battling the terrorists deserved to be praised and acknowledged for dying in active service to their beloved country.

He advised the relatives of the deceased not to despair, but rather to take consolation in the fact that their loved ones perished while fighting to restore long-term peace and security in Katsina state.

Radda praised the security personnel for their bravery, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 bandits during the encounter and the rescue of hundreds of rustled cows in four trailers.

“This terrible incident will not dampen our morale to restore peace and security in our troubled state. The Katsina State government shall honour the memories of Hassan and those who died alongside him, by ensuring that terrorists holding the state to ransom are all eliminated, very soon”.

“I wish to pledge that the Katsina State Government, under my leadership, will not abandon the families of the deceased. They will be supported in every way possible, to cushion their hardship in the wake of their loved one’s death,” the Governor assured.