No fewer than 11 persons have been killed following a reprisal attack by bandits on communities in Kankia Local Government Area, as security agencies launched an intensified manhunt for the attackers.
The Katsina State Police Command said the attack occurred on Sunday at about noon when armed bandits regrouped and invaded Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages, opening fire on residents and killing 11 people before police tactical teams were re-mobilised and successfully repelled the assailants.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
In a statement issued Sunday night by police spokesman Abubakar Sadiq, the police commissioner described the attack as “cowardly and barbaric” and ordered an aggressive intelligence-led operation to identify and arrest those responsible. Additional tactical teams have also been deployed to the affected communities.
The command said bush-combing operations and coordinated patrols had been intensified to track fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks, assuring residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring all those involved face the full weight of the law.
Residents were urged to remain calm but vigilant and provide timely, credible information to security agencies by reporting suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
Police said the reprisal attack followed recent operational successes against bandits in the area.
According to the command, on April 29, 2026, operatives foiled a cattle rustling attempt at Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, recovering 205 animals, including 91 cows and 114 sheep.
Again on May 2, 2026, security operatives reportedly 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 killings, describing the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians as an act of terror.
In a statement signed by Nasir Mu’azu, the government disclosed that intelligence reports had earlier indicated that a notorious bandit kingpin, Mohammadu Fulani, was leading armed men toward strategic locations in Kankia with criminal intent.
According to the government, community members alerted security agencies, prompting the Divisional Police Officer in Kankia to lead a joint security team that intercepted the bandits, neutralised several of them, and recovered motorcycles and rustled cattle.
However, the same bandit leader was said to have later launched a retaliatory attack around midday on Gwalgoro village in Gyaza/Kunduru Ward, resulting in the death of 11 persons.
The state government commended security personnel for their swift response and urged residents to sustain collaboration with security agencies, stressing that intelligence sharing remains critical in saving lives and tackling criminal activities across the state.
