Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Gwarzo, led by personnel of the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, have foiled an attempted cattle rustling operation in Kano State, recovering 257 livestock.
The operation followed a distress call received at about 6:57 a.m. on Sunday, reporting that bandits had rustled cattle from Mainika village in Gwarzo Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued on Monday by Major Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, the troops swiftly deployed to a suspected escape route and ambushed the fleeing rustlers at Dayi village.
On sighting the troops, the bandits reportedly fled towards Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, abandoning the stolen animals.
The recovered livestock included 135 cows, 119 sheep, one goat, and two donkeys, bringing the total to 257 animals. The animals have since been handed over to their rightful owners through local authorities.
The Army said the bandits suffered heavy casualties during the encounter, while the situation in the area has been brought under control.
The JTF in Gwarzo comprises personnel of the 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local vigilantes.
Commander of the 3 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmad Tukur commended the troops for their bravery and vigilance. He also appreciated the support of the local community in providing timely information that led to the success of the operation.
The task force has been directed to intensify security operations to ensure the continued safety of lives and property in the area.
