Troops Recover Stolen Livestock After Fierce Gun Battle with Bandits in Katsina
Troops of the 17 Brigade under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, have successfully foiled a major livestock rustling operation and recovered a large number of stolen animals during a counter-terrorism and anti-banditry mission in Katsina State.
The operation, which took place on Monday, June 30, 2026, was part of ongoing efforts by security forces to rid the state of terrorists and armed bandits responsible for persistent attacks on rural communities.
Military sources disclosed to PRNigeria that the operation was launched following an urgent distress call from residents, who alerted security agencies to the movement of armed terrorists driving a large herd of rustled livestock through the vicinity of Kaddanya village in Charanchi Local Government Area.
Acting swiftly on the credible intelligence, troops of the 17 Brigade, working in close synergy with operatives of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, moved to intercept the criminals. The joint security team strategically laid an ambush along the terrorists’ suspected route and made contact with the fleeing suspects at Sabari Reraya village.
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Upon engagement, the troops unleashed superior and coordinated firepower, forcing the terrorists into a hasty retreat. Unable to withstand the sustained military assault, the criminals abandoned the stolen livestock and fled into the surrounding bushes to evade capture.
Following the successful operation, security personnel conducted a thorough clearance of the area and secured the recovered livestock, effectively preventing the criminals from making away with the animals.
Authorities said efforts are currently underway to identify the rightful owners of the recovered livestock before handing them over in accordance with established procedures.
The latest operation underscores the continued commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and its security partners to combating terrorism, banditry, and livestock rustling across the North-West. It also highlights the growing importance of intelligence sharing and collaboration between the military, local security outfits, and residents in enhancing security and protecting lives and livelihoods in vulnerable communities.
Security authorities urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, emphasizing that community support remains vital to sustaining ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations across the region.
By PRNigeria
