The command also dismissed reports circulating on social media that armed bandits had blocked the Katsina-Kano Highway, explaining that the temporary interruption to traffic occurred when security operatives moved the recovered animals across the road.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, 2026, the police spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes arrested the suspects during a routine patrol at about 5 p.m. on Thursday, following actionable intelligence.

The suspects were identified as Abdulkadir Umar, 23, and Suleiman Baiti, 21. According to the police, preliminary interrogation indicated that the two men allegedly belonged to a group involved in banditry in parts of the state. Their alleged involvement remains subject to investigation.

The police said that at about 6:30 p.m. on the same day, officers from the Kusada Division, working alongside the Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes, proceeded to a location identified during the investigation.

The operation resulted in the recovery of more than 150 livestock, including cattle, goats and sheep, suspected to have been stolen. The animals were subsequently moved to a secure location.

Addressing the reports of a road blockade, the command explained that security operatives briefly stopped vehicles to allow the large herd to cross the Katsina-Kano Highway safely. Traffic reportedly resumed shortly after the animals had been moved.

The police maintained that there was no bandit attack or criminal roadblock during the operation and said commuters were not threatened by the incident.

The command added that investigations were continuing and that further information would be made available as the case progressed.

The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the security personnel and community-based groups involved in the operation for their cooperation and prompt response.

He also reassured residents and travellers that the Katsina-Kano Highway remained open and passable, while urging the public to avoid circulating unverified security reports that could cause unnecessary panic.

The recovery represents another operation involving security agencies and local vigilante groups in Katsina State, where authorities continue efforts to address banditry and livestock theft.