The Katsina State Police Command has said it successfully foiled an attempted cattle rustling incident and recovered 20 rustled cows at Korama Mai Zurfi community, in Jibia Local Government Area.

Spokesperson for the command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, who made this known in a statement, said the incident occurred on Wednesday, June 26, at about 2:40 pm.

Aliyu said a distress call was received by the police in the council area, that heavily armed bandits had attacked the community and rustled the said animals.

He said collaborative effort between police and local vigilantes led to the recovery of the animals, even as he called on residents to provide timely and actionable information that would lead to tackling crime in the state.

According to Aliyu, “On June 24, 2026, at about 2:40 pm, a distress call was received by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Jibia Division, reporting that heavily armed bandits had attacked Korama Mai Zurfi village and rustled 20 cows.

Upon receipt of the report, the DPO swiftly mobilized operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in collaboration with local vigilantes and responded to the scene. The team tactically blocked the bandits’ escape routes, resulting in a fierce gun duel.

“Due to the superior firepower and tactics, the bandits were overpowered, forcing them to abandon all 20 rustled cows and flee the scene with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. All the rustled cattle were successfully recovered.

“Preventive measures have been intensified, and an aggressive manhunt is currently ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the swift response, gallantry, and synergy displayed by the operatives. He reiterates the unwavering commitment of the Command to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the state.

“Consequent upon this, members of the public are urged to continue to partner with the police by providing timely and actionable information that will assist in the fight against crime. All information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”