Bandits abandon stolen livestock, flee as troops foil rustling operation in Katsina
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, have recovered a large herd of rustled livestock after suspected bandits fled during a security operation in Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation was disclosed on Wednesday by security analyst Bakatsine in a post shared on X, where he said the troops successfully intercepted the suspected rustlers after acting on intelligence provided by residents.
According to the post, the operation was carried out by troops of the 17 Brigade, Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, following reports that suspected bandits were moving a large number of stolen animals through Kaddanya village in Charanchi Local Government Area.
Acting on the intelligence, the joint security team reportedly laid an ambush at Sabari Reraya village, where they intercepted the suspects, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
“A gun battle followed as the bandits attempted to resist the troops. However, the security personnel overpowered the attackers, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and flee into the surrounding bush,” Bakatsine wrote.
The analyst added that the recovered livestock had been secured by the security team while efforts were underway to trace the rightful owners and facilitate the return of the animals.
“The recovered livestock has been secured, while efforts are ongoing to identify the rightful owners and return the animals to them,” the post stated.
The latest operation is part of ongoing military efforts under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to combat banditry, livestock rustling and other criminal activities across Katsina and the wider North-West region.
