JUST IN: Military Recovers 529 Rustled Cattle , Sheep After Fierce Gun Battle in Katsina
Troops of the Forward Operation Base (FOB) Malumfashi under the Headquarters, 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, have recovered 529 rustled livestock following a fierce gun battle with suspected terrorists in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The successful operation, carried out on February 7, 2026, was based on credible intelligence regarding the movement and activities of armed bandits around Kasuwan Sabo in Kafur LGA.
According to a statement issued by Captain Abayomi Adisa, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, the operation was led by the Commanding Officer of FOB Malumfashi, Lieutenant Colonel M.M. Isa.
Preliminary intelligence reports indicated that the suspected terrorists had infiltrated the area from neighbouring Zamfara State. They were allegedly led by Idi Abasu Aiki, believed to be the younger brother of notorious bandit kingpin Ado Aliero.
Acting swiftly, troops mobilised to the identified location. On sighting the advancing soldiers, the terrorists opened fire. However, the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to retreat into surrounding bushes while attempting to escape with rustled livestock.
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The troops immediately launched a hot pursuit and intercepted the fleeing suspects between Burdugau and Unguwan Matau villages in Malumfashi Local Government Area. The pressure mounted by the advancing soldiers compelled the terrorists to abandon the livestock and flee.
After conducting an extensive sweep of the area, the troops recovered a total of 529 livestock comprising 290 cows, 238 sheep and one donkey, as well as one motorcycle believed to have been used by the suspects.
The Army disclosed that 14 cows were killed during the crossfire, allegedly after being used as shields by the fleeing terrorists. No casualties were recorded among the troops during the operation.
The recovered animals were subsequently handed over to relevant authorities for proper identification and return to their rightful owners. The Chairman of Kafur Local Government Area, Suraju Nature, and the Divisional Police Officer, Superintendent of Police Aminu Salihu, supervised the verification and handover process.
Commending the troops for their gallantry and professionalism, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Paul Koughna, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements within the division’s area of responsibility.
Troops of FOB Malumfashi, the statement added, have continued to dominate the area through aggressive patrols aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement and operation.
By PRNigeria
