TROOPS FOIL BANDIT ATTACK, RECOVER 147 RUSTLED LIVESTOCK IN KANO

TROOPS FOIL BANDIT ATTACK, RECOVER 147 RUSTLED LIVESTOCK IN KANO

Troops of the Joint Task Force Kano have foiled a bandit attack and recovered 147 rustled livestock during an operation along the Kano–Katsina border axis.

The operation, carried out by troops deployed at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and reinforced by personnel from a Response Area, followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed bandits with rustled animals around the Yankamaye and Rimaye communities.

According to a statement by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Major Babatunde Zubairu, troops swiftly mobilised to strategic crossing points and intercepted the fleeing criminals.

The statement explained that troops engaged the bandits in a gun battle, overwhelming them and forcing them to abandon the livestock before fleeing towards Katsina State.

During the operation, troops arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered one motorcycle, 97 cattle and 50 sheep.

The recovered livestock have since been returned to their rightful owners.

The Army, however, confirmed that a local vigilante, Mallam Yusuf Adamu, 47, from Yanchibi Village, lost his life after being caught in the crossfire during the operation.

The Nigerian Army expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and the Yanchibi community over the incident.

The statement added that troops have continued to comb the area in pursuit of the fleeing bandits and other criminal elements.

Commending the troops, the Commander, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, praised their alertness, professionalism and fighting spirit.

He urged them to sustain ongoing operations until all bandits and criminal elements operating within the area are completely neutralised.

Brigadier General Jimoh also appreciated residents for their continued cooperation with security agencies, stressing that timely and credible intelligence remains vital to the success of efforts aimed at combating banditry and other forms of criminality.