The Katsina State Police Command has said it foiled a cattle rustling attempt and recovered 76 animals in two villages, in Dutsinma Local Government Area.

 

A statement by the spokesperson for the command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said the incident occured on Friday, July 24, at Yarmaje and Alasawa villages.

 

Aliyu said the rustlers were suspected bandits, armed with dangerous weapons, and that a distress call from residents of the communities prompted for the mobilisation a joint security unit to the affected areas.

 

He said a gun duel between the bandits and security operatives forced tyem to flee the scene, while the 76 rustled animals were successfully recovered, including 20 cows and 56 sheep.

 

“In a sustained effort against cattle rustling, the Katsina State Police Command, in collaboration with the military and members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), foiled a cattle rustling attempt, recovering 76 rustled animals comprising 20 cows and 56 sheep in 2 villages of Dutsinma LGA.

 

“On 24th July, 2026, at about 8:05 pm, a distress call was received at the Dutsinma Division that heavily armed bandits had invaded Yarmaje and Alasawa villages, rustling several animals.

 

“Upon receipt of the information, the DPO immediately mobilized a joint team comprising the Violence Response Unit (VCRU), the Military and members of the Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) to the area.

 

“The joint team strategically trailed and blocked the hoodlums around Faguwa and Garangamawa villages, where a gun duel ensued. The hoodlums were forced to abandon the hustle and flee the scene in disarray. The team successfully recovered 20 cows and 56 sheep.”

 

Aliyu also said that a different operation carried out by security operatives on the same day, led to the arrest of three suspects one of whom was armed with a AK-47 rifle in Musawa council area.

 

He said the suspects were seen to be moving suspiciously towards Tsintsaye village in the said council area, and that upon their arrest, two empty AK-47 shell casings were recovered from the scene as exhibits.

 

“Similarly, on the same date at about 11:00 PM, a routine joint patrol team intercepted three individuals moving suspiciously toward Tsintsaye Village, Musawa LGA, as one of the suspects was observed to be armed with an AK-47 rifle.

 

“In a swift effort to arrest the suspects, the team tactically cordoned off the area. The armed suspect discharged his firearm, leading to his escape from the scene; however, operatives successfully subdued and arrested the remaining two suspects at the scene.

 

“The arrested suspects have been identified as Babangida Lawal, 28 years old, and Ismail Lawal, 25 years old.

 

“Two empty AK-47 shell casings were recovered from the scene as exhibits.

The suspects are currently in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.

 

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the bravery and professionalism of the joint team and reassured the public of the command’s determination to protect lives and property throughout the state. He also called on residents to report any suspicion to the nearest Division.”