TROOPS FOIL BANDIT ATTACK, RECOVER 147 RUSTLED LIVESTOCK, ARREST TWO SUSPECTS IN KANO BORDER OPERATION

Troops of the Joint Task Force Kano have thwarted a bandit attack and prevented the rustling of livestock during a coordinated operation along the Yankamaye and Rimaye axis on the Kano and Katsina State boundary, recovering 97 cattle and 50 sheep while arresting two suspected terrorists.

According to the Nigerian Army, the operation followed credible intelligence received at about 5:45 p.m. on 15 July 2026 indicating that armed bandits were moving rustled livestock through the general area. Troops deployed at Forward Operating Bases, reinforced by personnel from a Response Area, swiftly occupied key crossing routes believed to be along the bandits' escape corridor.

The troops subsequently intercepted the fleeing suspects, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Faced with superior military firepower, the bandits abandoned the rustled livestock and fled towards neighbouring Katsina State.

Military authorities disclosed that two suspected terrorists were apprehended during the operation. Troops also recovered one motorcycle used by the suspects, alongside 97 cattle and 50 sheep. The recovered livestock have since been returned to their rightful owners.

The operation, however, recorded one casualty on the side of local security volunteers. Mallam Yusuf Adamu, a 47 year old vigilante from Yanchibi Village, was fatally struck after being caught in the crossfire during the engagement. The Nigerian Army extended its condolences to his family and the Yanchibi community.

Troops have continued exploitation operations across the area in an effort to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network.

From a security standpoint, the operation illustrates the growing convergence between livestock rustling and organised armed banditry across parts of North West Nigeria. What was once regarded largely as rural cattle theft has evolved into a major criminal enterprise that generates revenue for armed groups engaged in kidnapping, weapons procurement, recruitment, and other violent activities. Interrupting livestock rustling operations therefore serves not only to protect the livelihoods of affected communities but also to disrupt an important source of financing for criminal organisations.

The operation also demonstrates the value of intelligence driven deployment and the strategic positioning of troops along identified transit corridors. Rather than responding after the criminals had escaped, security forces anticipated the movement of the suspects and established blocking positions, a tactical approach that improved the prospects of interception and recovery of stolen property.

Commending the troops, the Commander of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, praised their professionalism, vigilance, and fighting spirit. He urged them to sustain the operational momentum until all bandits and other criminal elements operating within the area are neutralised.

The Brigade Commander also acknowledged the continued support of members of the public, stressing that timely and credible intelligence remains indispensable to ongoing military operations against banditry and other forms of organised crime.