Military Repel Bandits in Sokoto as Police Recover 88 Rustled Cattle, Arrest Suspects in Kano
Security operatives have recorded major successes against criminal activities in Sokoto and Kano states, repelling a bandits’ attack, recovering arms and livestock, and arresting suspected cattle rustlers in separate operations.
In Sokoto State, troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, working in collaboration with other security agencies, repelled an early morning attack by armed bandits on Kola Village in Salame Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred on Jan. 1, 2026, at about 6:15 a.m., following a distress call that a large number of bandits, wielding sophisticated weapons, had invaded the community. Troops from the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) and operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were swiftly deployed to the area.
“The joint security team engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel that lasted for some time. The bandits were overpowered and fled into the nearby forest with their casualties,” a source said.
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During a subsequent combing of the surrounding bushes, the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle with 24 rounds of live ammunition, believed to belong to a neutralised bandit. They also recovered 48 sheep rustled from villagers during the attack. No casualties were recorded among the troops or residents.
Security sources said confidence-building patrols were ongoing in the area, while all forward operating bases had been placed on alert to watch out for any injured bandits seeking refuge. Residents of Salame and adjoining communities were urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
Meanwhile, in Kano State, operatives of the Kano State Police Command arrested two suspected cattle rustlers and recovered a large herd of livestock in Ungogo Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Hannafi Idi, 22, and Abdulkarim Musa, 20, both from Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State, were intercepted on Jan. 31, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m. by operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad while moving cattle in a suspicious manner.
“The suspects were accosted but failed to give a satisfactory account of the livestock in their possession and were consequently arrested,” a police source said.
Investigations led to the recovery of 88 cows, 114 sheep, and two donkeys, which are currently in police custody in Ungogo, as further inquiries continue.
The Kano State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling livestock theft and related crimes, urging members of the public to report any suspicious movement of animals to the nearest security agency.
By PRNigeria
