The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Garko Division in Kano State, has launched a search operation following a reported mad-dog attack in Garko Local Government Area, where at least 18 people were reportedly bitten.
The NFSS Kano State Command, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, CSF Usman Abdullahi Umar, said the incident occurred after its Garko office received a distress report concerning a dog suspected to have contracted rabies and attacked residents.
According to the statement, the dog reportedly attacked and bit at least 11 people in Garko town before moving into neighbouring communities, including Raba, Kadage, Gurjiya and Dausai, where another seven people were reportedly bitten.
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The development brings the reported number of victims to at least 18.
The NFSS further disclosed that two additional dogs were reportedly suspected to have been infected with rabies, raising concerns over the possible spread of the disease among animals and residents in the affected communities.
Following the reports, officers of the NFSS Garko Division, under the leadership of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Auwalu Muhammad, were deployed to the affected areas to search for and neutralise the infected dogs.
The Service said the operation was aimed at preventing further attacks and protecting residents from the potential spread of rabies.
The NFSS urged residents of Garko and surrounding communities to remain calm but vigilant and promptly report stray dogs or animals suspected of showing signs of rabies to the nearest NFSS office or other security agencies.
Residents were also advised to seek immediate medical attention following any dog bite or suspected exposure to an infected animal.
The NFSS said its officers would continue the search operation across the affected communities until the threat is brought under control.