A bandits retaliation attack on communities in Katsina State’s Kankia Local Government Area has killed eleven people.
According to the Katsina State Police Command, the attack happened on Sunday at around 1200 hours when bandits reassembled and overran the villages of Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro, shooting eleven people to death until police tactical squads reorganized and drove the attackers away.
CP Ali Umar Fage, the State Commissioner of Police, strongly denounced the attack and offered his sympathies to the victims’ families.
The Commissioner called the attack “cowardly and barbaric” and ordered a vigorous, intelligence-led manhunt to find and apprehend the perpetrators in a statement signed on Sunday night by DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the Command’s spokesman. In addition, he sent more tactical teams to the impacted area.
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In order to find the escaping suspects and stop more attacks, synchronized patrols and bush-combing activities have been stepped up, according to the statement.
Residents were reassured by the command of its dedication to safeguarding lives and property, emphasizing that continuing measures are being made to guarantee that everyone responsible faces the full force of the law.
In order to support security authorities, the public was asked to maintain composure while being watchful and to give timely, reliable information.
“Use the Command’s emergency lines, 0815 697 7777 or 0707 272 2539, or report suspicious movements to the closest police station.” In due course, more information will be shared, according to the statement.
The command, however, noted that the reprisal attack followed recent operational successes against bandits in the area.
It recalled that on April 29, 2026, at Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, operatives foiled a cattle rustling attempt and recovered 205 animals, comprising 91 cows and 114 sheep.
Similarly, on May 2, 2026, operatives foiled another attack on Matinjin village, forcing several bandits to flee with gunshot injuries, while eight operational motorcycles were recovered.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Government also condemned the attack, describing the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians as an act of terror.
In a statement signed by Nasir Mu’azu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, the administration expressed condolences to the departed families and urged locals to remain strong.
According to the statement from Katsina, intelligence inputs previously suggested that Mohammadu Fulani, a notorious bandit kingpin, led armed men to important areas in Kankia with criminal intent.
According to the government, community residents contacted security services, prompting Kankia’s Divisional Police Officer to head a joint security force that successfully intercepted the bandits, neutralised some of them, and recovered motorcycles and cattle.
It was claimed that the same kingpin later organized a reprisal attack about lunchtime on Gwalgoro Village in Gyaza/Kunduru Ward, which killed eleven people.
The administration praised security officers for their quick response and encouraged continuous collaboration between communities and security organizations.
“That intelligence partnership is what made the first interception possible — and it will continue to save lives,” the statement continued.