The Katsina State Police Command says its operatives have foiled a planned bandit attack on Dansarai and Kamfani villages in Malumfashi Local Government Area, neutralising one suspected armed bandit during the operation.
The police said the operation followed a distress call reporting the movement of suspected bandits on motorcycles towards the two communities.
Police respond to distress call
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the incident occurred on August 25 at about 6pm.
Following the distress call received at the Malumfashi Police Division, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised a team of police operatives alongside personnel from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
The security team reportedly moved to the area and strategically positioned themselves to intercept the suspected attackers.
Gun battle forces bandits to flee
The police said the operatives engaged the suspected bandits in a gun battle.
According to the command, the superior tactics and firepower of the security team forced the attackers to retreat and flee the area.
During a subsequent search of the area, the body of one suspected armed bandit who was reportedly neutralised during the encounter was recovered.
The police said efforts were continuing to track and apprehend the other suspects who escaped from the scene.
Police commend operatives
The Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, commended the officers and personnel involved in the operation for what he described as bravery and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting residents and their property across Katsina State.
The commissioner also urged residents to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information about suspicious movements and potential security threats.
Residents urged to remain vigilant
The latest operation comes amid continued security challenges in parts of northern Nigeria, where communities have faced attacks and other criminal activities.
The police said cooperation between residents and security agencies remains essential to preventing attacks and enabling rapid responses to emerging threats.
For communities in Malumfashi and surrounding areas, the successful intervention provides some relief, although security agencies remain on alert for possible movements by fleeing suspects.
OnPointGist will continue to monitor security developments across Katsina State and other parts of Nigeria.
