At least 11 people have been killed after bandits carried out a reprisal attack on communities in Katsina State, in what authorities say was retaliation following recent security operations in the area.
The violence unfolded on Sunday afternoon in Kankia Local Government Area, where gunmen stormed Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages, opening fire on residents.
Police said tactical teams were quickly redeployed to the scene and managed to push the attackers back.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, condemned the killings, describing the нападение as senseless and brutal.
He has ordered an intensified manhunt, with additional units sent to the affected communities.
According to police spokesman Abubakar Sadiq, security forces have stepped up bush-combing operations and patrols in a bid to track down the attackers and prevent further violence.
Authorities say the assault appears to be linked to earlier successes by security forces in the area. In recent days, officers reportedly foiled cattle rustling attempts, recovered over 200 animals, and forced fleeing suspects to abandon motorcycles during separate operations.
The state government also confirmed that intelligence had pointed to the movement of a suspected bandit leader, Mohammadu Fulani, and his group before the attacks.
A joint security team initially intercepted them, neutralising some members and recovering stolen livestock.
However, the group is believed to have regrouped and returned hours later, launching the deadly retaliation that left 11 people dead.
Officials have urged residents to remain alert and continue sharing information with security agencies, stressing that cooperation between communities and law enforcement remains key to preventing further attacks.
