Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Rimaye, Kankia LGA, Katsina State – Soldiers of 17 Brigade, supported by operatives of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (C-Watch) and local vigilantes, repelled a mass attack on Rimaye town, Kankia Local Government Area, during the night of May 20, 2026. The coordinated security response prevented what would have been a large-scale tragedy just weeks after gunmen issued a staggering ultimatum for livestock and the same area mourned a deadly reprisal that claimed eleven lives.
According to security sources, a large contingent of armed bandits attempted to invade the community but was met with fierce resistance from the joint force. The attackers retreated under heavy fire, fleeing toward the border areas of the state and ending the immediate threat. No casualties have been reported among security personnel or residents.
The foiled incursion brings to life warnings issued by the Katsina State Government on May 2, which identified Kankia as a high-risk area through intelligence that a notorious bandit leader, Mohammadu Fulani, was advancing on strategic locations. That same intelligence triggered a response that neutralised several of his fighters and recovered eight motorcycles and a cache of rustled cattle.
Rimaye had been a direct target of bandit intimidation for weeks. On April 9, 2026, armed groups delivered signed letters to the town and the neighbouring Sukunturi community, giving residents a six-day ultimatum to hand over 700 cows and 1,000 sheep or face a devastating invasion. The demands, written in English, sparked a mass exodus, and many villages were abandoned.
A resident, Malam Ahmadu Kankia, told reporters at the time, "Separate letters were delivered to Rimaye and Sukunturi, but the content was the same. They demanded that the communities provide 700 cows and 1,000 sheep within four days. People became scared and began moving out. As I speak, these communities are currently deserted; everyone has left."
Although the April deadline passed without a violent response, the attempted return of residents triggered the latest assault. Security forces have been conducting operations in the area against the Fulani network since late April, including an operation in Dutsin-Ma on May 10 that eliminated three suspects and a second phase of offensive actions on May 8 that rescued 32 kidnapped victims. The swift response and coordination between the military and local security groups, who successfully repelled the Rimaye attack deserve commendation for preventing what could have been another tragic assault on the community.
The town and surrounding villages remain on high alert while military pursuit operations continue.
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