Forest security service deploys team after suspected rabid dog bites 18 in Kano

The Nigerian Forest Security Service has deployed personnel to Garko Local Government Area of Kano State after a dog suspected of being rabid bit 18 people in the area. The NFSS State Commander, Abdullahi Al’ameen, disclosed the incident in a statement signed by the service’s Public Relations Officer, Usman Abdullahi-Umar, in Kano on Sunday. Al’ameen said the command received a distress report at about 2 p.m.

after the dog attacked residents in Garko town. It had bitten 11 people there before moving into neighbouring communities, where it attacked seven more people. The affected communities named by the service include Raba, Kadage, Gurjiya and Dausai.

The commander said the service had also received another report involving two dogs suspected of having been infected with rabies in the same area. Personnel from the NFSS Garko Division were sent to the affected locations under the leadership of Divisional Forest Officer Auwalu Muhammad. Their assignment is to track and contain the suspected animals and help prevent further attacks.

Al’ameen urged residents of Garko and nearby communities to remain vigilant and report sightings of stray or suspected rabid dogs to the nearest NFSS office or another security agency. He also advised people who may have been bitten by suspected rabid dogs to obtain medical attention immediately. The commander said the NFSS would continue monitoring the situation and take measures to prevent additional attacks.

The source material does not provide details on the medical condition of those bitten or confirm whether the dogs have been captured.