ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Updating your news feed...
NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.
Katsina Police Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar-Fage
By ABBAS BAMALLI
The Nigeria Police Force has foiled separate banditry and cattle rustling attacks in Katsina, recovering rifles, ammunition and 70 rustled animals.
Police spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Katsina.
He said the operations were conducted under Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, with support from other security agencies and vigilantes.
Sadiq-Aliyu said the first attack occurred on Monday at about 5 p.m. in Danya Bakwai, Jibia Local Government Area.
He said about 10 armed bandits, riding motorcycles, invaded the Fulani settlement and rustled 20 cows and 40 sheep.
“Following the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised an Armoured Personnel Carrier patrol team to the scene,” he said.
He said the team worked with the military, Katsina State Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes.
“The joint security team blocked the bandits’ escape routes and engaged them in a gun duel.
“The suspects abandoned the rustled animals and fled due to superior tactics and firepower,” he said.
Sadiq-Aliyu said all 20 cows and 40 sheep were recovered, while calm had returned to the community.
He said another operation followed on Tuesday morning in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas.
According to him, operatives responded to a distress call from Gwarjo Village in Matazu.
He said the patrol team engaged suspected bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat.
The spokesman said the operatives later advanced to Dangani Village, a known criminal hideout in Musawa.
“Another exchange of gunfire ensued, during which several suspects escaped with gunshot injuries,” he said.
He said the team recovered two AK-47 rifles, six empty magazines and 42 rounds of live ammunition.
Other items recovered included a new TVS motorcycle, a GSM handset and two military jackets.
Sadiq-Aliyu said surveillance and patrols had been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
He said Commissioner of Police praised officers and supporting security teams for their courage and coordination.
Umar-Fage said, “We remain committed to protecting lives and property across Katsina State.”
He urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.
Meanwhile, Sadiq-Aliyu said further updates on the operations would be communicated in due course. (NAN)
