The Katsina police command says it has repelled an attack by suspected terrorists, neutralising four of them and recovering 131 rustled cows and 55 sheep.

The police spokesperson in the state, Gambo Isah, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Saturday in Katsina.

According to him, “On March 11, 2022, a credible intelligence was received that terrorists in their numbers, on motorbikes, shooting sporadically with AK 47 rifles, attacked Yanmama village, Malumfashi Local Government Area (LGA).

“The suspected bandits rustled seven cows and were on their way into the forest, when DPO Kankara was quickly alerted to block their exit route into the Rugu forest.  

“The team succeeded in blocking the terrorists at Kanyar-Nogora, Kukar-Sheka village, Kankara LGA and had a fierce gun duel with them.   

“The team successfully repelled the terrorists. Three terrorists were neutralized and seven cows recovered.”

Mr Isah added that on the same date, another distress call was received that terrorists in their numbers attacked Tugu Gari village, Matazu LGA, and rustled unspecified number of domestic animals.  

He disclosed that the Police Area Commander, Dutsinma, led a team of policemen to Yantumaki forest, blocked the hoodlums and engaged them in a gun duel.  

He revealed that, “The team successfully repelled the terrorists, neutralized one of them and recovered 32 cows and 23 sheep.  

“On March 5, 2022, the Command carried out sting operations and raided suspected terrorists’ hideout at Yellawa, Hakin-Biri, Danmusa LGA and Na-Iraqi notorious bandit camps at Safana LGA.

“The team successfully burnt down the camps, recovered two operational motorcycles of the terrorists and recovered 92 cows and 32 sheep.

“The Command succeeded in arresting one Jamilu Sa’idu, aged 28, of Jikamshi village, Rimi LGA, who specialised in calling unsuspecting members of the public through their GSM numbers and threatening them to pay ransom or risked being kidnapped.

“Also, three suspects were arrested in connection with an armed robbery attempt at Tashar Dankawu, Dutsi LGA of the state”.

He said the state Commissioner of Police, Idrisu Dauda-Dabban, had commended and appreciated the efforts of the officers and men in repelling the terrorists.

“He also urged members of the public to continue to cooperate with security agencies in the ongoing onslaught against terrorism in the state,” Mr Isah said.

(NAN)