Kankia LGA, Katsina State, Nigeria
At least 11 people have been killed after bandits launched a reprisal attack on communities in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State on Sunday.
The Katsina State Police Command said the attackers stormed Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages around midday, opening fire on residents and killing 11 people before security operatives intervened and drove them away.
According to a statement released Sunday night by the police spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the attackers had regrouped before carrying out the assault.
Police tactical teams were quickly redeployed to the affected communities, where they engaged the assailants and forced them to retreat.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ali Umar Fage, condemned the killings, describing the attack as “cowardly and barbaric.” He also extended condolences to families who lost loved ones.
The police chief ordered an intensified, intelligence-led manhunt to track down those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
Authorities say security operations have now been stepped up across the area.
Bush-combing exercises and coordinated patrols are ongoing to locate the fleeing attackers and prevent further violence.
The police reassured residents that efforts are in place to protect lives and property, urging the public to stay alert and cooperate with security agencies.
Residents were also encouraged to report suspicious movements through police emergency lines.
The police noted that the reprisal attack may be connected to recent successes recorded against bandits in the area.
On April 29, 2026, security operatives foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, recovering 205 animals — including 91 cows and 114 sheep.
Just days later, on May 2, operatives also repelled another attack in Matinjin village. Several bandits reportedly fled with gunshot wounds, while eight motorcycles used for operations were recovered.
The Katsina State Government also condemned the killings, describing the deliberate targeting of civilians as an act of terror.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, the government confirmed that intelligence had earlier pointed to movements by a known bandit leader, Mohammadu Fulani.
According to the government, local residents had alerted security agencies, leading to an initial interception by a joint security team led by the Divisional Police Officer in Kankia.
During that operation, several bandits were neutralised, and stolen cattle and motorcycles were recovered.
However, the same group later carried out a retaliatory attack around midday on Gwalgoro Village in Gyaza/Kunduru Ward, resulting in the deaths.
Authorities praised the role of community intelligence in preventing earlier attacks and stressed the need for continued cooperation between residents and security agencies.
They urged communities to remain calm but vigilant, noting that timely information sharing can help stop further incidents.
Security agencies say efforts are ongoing to track down the attackers and prevent another round of violence in the area.
Further updates are expected as investigations continue.