Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Kano have foiled a bandits’ attack and recovered 97 cattle and 50 sheep during an operation along the Kano-Katsina border.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement on Thursday, said troops deployed at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), reinforced by a Response Area, acted on credible intelligence received on July 15 that armed bandits were moving rustled livestock through the Yankamaye and Rimaye axis.
According to the Army, the troops swiftly positioned themselves at key crossing points and intercepted the fleeing bandits. During the ensuing gun battle, the troops overpowered the attackers, forcing them to abandon the rustled livestock and flee towards Katsina State.
The Army said the operation led to the arrest of two suspected terrorists and the recovery of one motorcycle, 97 cattle and 50 sheep. It added that all the recovered livestock had been returned to their rightful owners.
The Army, however, disclosed that a local vigilante, Mallam Yusuf Adamu, 47, from Yanchibi Village, was killed after being caught in the crossfire during the operation, and extended its condolences to his family and the community.
It added that troops are continuing clearance operations in the area to track down the fleeing bandits.
Commending the troops, the Commander, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, urged them to sustain the offensive until all bandits and other criminal elements operating in the area are neutralised.
He also appreciated members of the public for their continued support and encouraged them to keep providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, describing public cooperation as critical to the success of ongoing counter-banditry operations.
