Suspected cattle rustlers intercepted in Katsina, 50 animals recovered

The Katsina State Police Command has announced the interception of suspected cattle rustlers in Jibia Local Government Area, recovering 50 animals allegedly stolen from local residents. In a statement issued by the command’s spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, details of the incident emerged on Saturday when suspected armed bandits attacked Kwarara village in Jibia, carrying out a raid on livestock.

Upon receiving a distress call at around 7:30pm, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Jibia immediately activated a patrol team of the Vigilance and Community Response Unit (VCRU), along with operatives from the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC). The security forces tracked the suspects and intercepted them near the Jibia Dam Site, where a gun battle ensued.

Despite the resistance from the suspects, the police's superior firepower proved decisive, causing the suspects to flee the scene while abandoning the livestock. Some of the fleeing individuals were reportedly wounded with gunshot injuries. The police statement revealed that one of the suspects, a 22-year-old man named Ibrahim, known as "Daura," was apprehended during a search operation in the area.

The recovered livestock consisted of 15 cows and 35 sheep. Ibrahim is currently aiding the police in their investigation, offering valuable information to help apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate responsible for the theft.