A joint security operation involving the Katsina State Police Command has resulted in the death of seven suspected bandits and the recovery of 109 rustled animals.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning in Ruwan Doruwa village, Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state.

A statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said, “The Katsina State Police Command successfully foiled a bandits’ attack on Ruwan Doruwa village, Dutsinma LGA, Katsina State, and neutralized seven suspected bandits in the process.

“The operation resulted in the recovery of 61 cows, 44 sheep, two donkeys, one goat, and one dog.

“On January 18, 2025, at about 0900 hrs, a distress call was received at the Dutsinma Divisional Police Headquarters that some suspected armed bandits, armed with dangerous weapons such as AK-47 rifles, had sporadically attacked Ruwan Doruwa village, Dutsinma LGA, Katsina State.

“Upon receipt of the report, the DPO, in collaboration with the military, DSS, members of the KTSCWC, and the vigilante, swiftly mobilized and responded to the scene.

“Upon arrival, the team engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, which resulted in the neutralization of seven suspected armed bandits, while the remaining fled the scene with various degrees of injuries, abandoning all the suspected rustled animals.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, commended the exceptional display of gallantry, valor, and professionalism by the operatives.

“He also reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of members of the public.

“The CP further called on members of the public to continue supporting the command by providing timely and useful information to aid in the ongoing fight against all forms of crime and criminality in the state.”