Security forces in Kebbi State have foiled a cattle-rustling attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits in Bunza Local Government Area, killing one suspect during a gun battle and recovering four motorcycles believed to have been used by the criminals.
The operation was carried out by a joint security team made up of the police, the military and other security agencies, following a distress report from Tungan Babu Lada village, where the bandits had launched an early attack.
According to the Kebbi State Police Command, the suspected bandits invaded the village and shot dead a 35-year-old man, identified as Usman Ferungu, before escaping with stolen cattle. The killing reportedly caused panic among residents of the community.
However, the escape of the attackers was short-lived as security operatives swiftly mobilised and pursued them. The joint team later intercepted the fleeing suspects at Garin Mayo Mine, where a gun duel occurred.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesman of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed that one of the suspected bandits was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire.
“The team, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Kangiwa Division, pursued the fleeing suspects and intercepted them at Garin Mayo Mine,” the statement said.
“A gun battle ensued during which one of the suspected bandits was neutralised, while four motorcycles believed to have been used by the criminals were recovered.”
Police authorities said the timely intervention of the joint security team prevented further attacks on nearby communities and saved lives. They noted that the operation also disrupted the movement and activities of the criminal gang in the area.
The police described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to address banditry, cattle rustling and other forms of violent crime that have affected parts of Kebbi State and the wider North-West region in recent years.
Kebbi State, like many states in the North-West, has faced security challenges linked to armed bandit groups who attack rural communities, rustle cattle, kidnap residents and sometimes engage in violent clashes with security forces.
The Lakurawa bandits, believed to operate across border communities and forested areas, have been blamed for several criminal activities in parts of Kebbi and neighbouring states. Their operations have affected farming, livestock rearing and daily life in many rural areas.
Cattle rustling remains a major concern for local communities, especially in agrarian areas where livestock is a key source of livelihood. Attacks often lead to loss of income, displacement of residents and increased fear among villagers.
The Kebbi State Police Command said it remains committed to restoring peace and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state. It reaffirmed that aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations would continue in all local government areas.
The statement said the operations are in line with the proactive policing strategy of the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Mohammed Hadeija, who has prioritised collaboration with other security agencies to tackle crime.
“The command will continue to sustain aggressive patrols and intelligence-led operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action in Kebbi State,” the police said.
Security officials also urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent attacks and track criminal groups.
The police assured the public that all information received would be treated with confidentiality and used strictly for security purposes.
Community leaders in the area welcomed the intervention by security forces, saying the presence of joint patrols has helped to boost confidence among residents who have lived in fear of attacks.
Some residents said the killing of Usman Ferungu was a painful reminder of the dangers faced by rural communities, calling on the government to strengthen security presence and improve response time in remote areas.
They also stressed the need for sustained efforts, improved equipment and community engagement to prevent criminal groups from regrouping or launching fresh attacks.
In recent months, the federal and state governments have stepped up security operations across the North-West, combining military action, police patrols and community-based intelligence to curb banditry and related crimes.
The Kebbi State Police Command said investigations are ongoing to track other members of the gang who escaped during the encounter and to recover the stolen cattle.
The police reiterated that maintaining peace and security is a shared responsibility and called on citizens to support ongoing efforts to keep Kebbi State safe.