Troops Foil Bandits' Attack, Recover 97 Cattle, 50 Sheep in Kano

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Kano have foiled a bandits' attack and recovered 97 rustled cattle and 50 sheep during a coordinated operation along the Kano-Katsina border.

The operation, carried out by troops deployed at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and reinforced by personnel from a Response Area, took place in the Yankamaye-Rimaye axis following credible intelligence on the activities of armed bandits.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major Babatunde Zubairu, the troops acted on intelligence received at about 5:45 p.m. on July 15, indicating that bandits were moving stolen livestock through the area.

According to the statement, the troops swiftly deployed to strategic crossing points commonly used by the criminals and intercepted them while attempting to flee with the rustled animals.

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

The military disclosed that two suspected terrorists were arrested during the operation, while one motorcycle was recovered. A total of 97 cattle and 50 sheep were also recovered, with all the cattle successfully returned to their rightful owners.

However, the operation recorded one casualty as a local vigilante, Mallam Yusuf Adamu, 47, of Yanchibi Village, was reportedly caught in the crossfire and lost his life.

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

It added that troops have continued to comb the general area in pursuit of the fleeing bandits to ensure they are apprehended.

Commending the troops for their courage and professionalism, the Commander, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, urged them to sustain the ongoing offensive until all bandits and criminal elements operating within the area are neutralised.

The brigade commander also appreciated the continued support of residents, urging members of the public to keep providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, describing public cooperation as critical to the success of ongoing operations against banditry and other forms of criminality.