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The Katsina State Police Command has arrested two suspected bandits and recovered more than 150 livestock believed to have been rustled in Kusada Local Government Area of the state.
The police also dismissed reports that bandits blocked the Katsina-Kano Highway, explaining that the temporary disruption to traffic occurred when security operatives moved the recovered animals across the road.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Friday.
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According to the statement, members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes arrested the suspects during a routine patrol based on actionable intelligence at about 5pm on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
The suspects were identified as Abdulkadir Umar, 23, and Suleiman Baiti, 21.
Police explain temporary traffic disruption
The police said preliminary interrogation indicated that both suspects belonged to a syndicate of armed bandits operating in parts of the state.
The statement said police operatives attached to the Kusada Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, later joined the Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes in an operation based on information provided by the suspects.
The operation, conducted at about 6.30pm on the same day, led to the recovery of more than 150 animals, comprising cattle, goats and sheep.
The livestock were subsequently moved to a secure facility, according to the police.
The command said the movement of the large herd briefly disrupted vehicular traffic along the Katsina-Kano Highway as security operatives stopped vehicles to allow the animals to cross safely.
Normal traffic flow resumed immediately afterwards.
In the statement, the command dismissed reports circulating on social media that armed bandits had blocked the highway.
“The Command wishes to state categorically that this report is false, misleading, and entirely unfounded,” the statement said.
It added that there had been no bandit attack, criminal road blockade or threat to commuters during the operation.
Investigation continues
The police said investigations into the case were ongoing and that further developments would be communicated to the public.
The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the operatives involved in the operation for their cooperation and prompt action.
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The command also reassured residents and motorists that the Katsina-Kano Highway remained safe and accessible.
It urged members of the public to verify information through credible official sources and avoid sharing unconfirmed reports capable of causing unnecessary panic.
The police said the operation demonstrated cooperation between security agencies, the Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes in efforts to tackle criminal activities in the state.
