Ndudi Anyim
Three cattle rustlers have been killed following a gun battle with Police operatives at Kankara Division, Katsina State Police Command.
It was gathered that intelligence about the activities of the rustlers at Mararabar-Gurbi, had filtered to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO).
Security Watch Africa learnt that the Mararabar-Gurbi route is a notorious cattle route used by bandits.
According to the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Gambo Isah, the DPO got intelligence that bandits armed with sophisticated weapons were passing with rustled domestic animals.
“ Fortunately, the hoodlums were intercepted and on sighting the Police operatives, they engaged them in a gun duel. As a result of which three bandits were neutralized while others fled into the forest with possible gunshot wounds. In the course of investigation, one AK 49 assault rifle, 160 Cows, 170 Sheep and two motorcycles were recovered at the scene, ” he said.
Similarly, combined team of Policemen and members of the Vigilante group, have arrested two suspects, Buhari Yusuf, 25, and Usman Alh Bammi, 30, for the murder of he Alhaji Ibrahim Kwatahi of Jar-Gaba village.
Isah said the O/C Anti Kidnapping Unit, acting on intelligence, led combined teams of Police Operatives and vigilante group to Unguwar Mai Kawo forest, Bakori Local Government Area, and raided a bandits’ hideout, which led to the arrests.
“ Both suspects are from Unguwar Mai Kawo village, Kafur LGA of Katsina State. They are the notorious bandits that masterminded the killing of one Alh. Ibrahim Fatahi of Jar-Gaba village, Bakori. Two AK 47 rifles were also recovered in connection with the commission of the offence, which suspects confessed to belong to one of their members, one Babangida (now at large). Investigation is ongoing, ” he said.
In a related development, operatives of the command have also arrested a notorious arms dealer, Ibrahim Ma’aruf, alias Risku.
The 40-year-old suspect, of Tashar Bokiti, Runka village of Safana LGA of Katsina State, is alleged to be a notorious armed dealer, kidnapper and a cattle rustler.
“ Nemesis caught up with the hoodlum when he was accosted at a spot between Dutsin-ma and Safana LGA of Katsina state, with 40 rustled cows.
“ Furthermore, another suspect had abandoned 96 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition of AK 47 rifle and the sum of N780,000, at a Police Nipping Point along Dutsin-ma – Safana road, fled and escaped Police arrest. Investigation is ongoing, ” the PPRO said.