Army repels bandits, rescues 147 rustled livestock in Kano border operation

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Kano have foiled a bandits’ attack and prevented the rustling of livestock during a coordinated operation along the Kano–Katsina border, arresting two suspected terrorists and recovering 147 animals.

The Nigerian Army disclosed that the operation was carried out on July 15, 2026, after troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted armed bandits moving stolen livestock through the Yankamaye–Rimaye axis, a known crossing point between Kano and Katsina states.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Major Babatunde Zubairu, troops stationed at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), reinforced by personnel from a Response Area, swiftly deployed to strategic crossing points used by the fleeing criminals.

The troops reportedly engaged the bandits in a gun battle, overpowering them and forcing them to abandon the stolen animals before fleeing toward Katsina State.

During the operation, security forces arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered 97 cattle, 50 sheep and one motorcycle believed to have been used during the operation.

The Army said all the recovered livestock have since been returned to their rightful owners.

However, the operation recorded a casualty as a local vigilante, Mallam Yusuf Adamu, 47, from Yanchibi Village, was killed after being caught in the crossfire.

The Nigerian Army expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and the Yanchibi community, describing his death as a tragic loss.

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Troops have continued clearance operations across the area in pursuit of the fleeing bandits, the statement added.

Commending the troops, the Commander of 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, praised their professionalism, vigilance and combat effectiveness in foiling the attack.

He urged the personnel to sustain the operational momentum until all bandits and criminal elements operating within the area are eliminated.

The brigade commander also acknowledged the support of residents, stressing that timely and credible intelligence from members of the public remains critical to the success of ongoing military operations against banditry and other forms of criminality across the region.

The latest operation forms part of the Nigerian Army’s intensified efforts to combat banditry, protect rural communities and curb livestock rustling in the North-West, where security agencies have continued to carry out coordinated offensives against armed criminal groups operating across state boundaries.