Troops Recover Rustled Livestock, Repel Terrorists in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 17 Brigade, Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled a major livestock rustling attempt and recovered a large number of stolen animals during a counter-terrorism operation in Katsina State.
The operation was conducted on Tuesday in collaboration with the Katsina State Community Watch Corps following credible intelligence on the movement of armed terrorists in Charanchi Local Government Area.
Security sources said the operation was launched after local residents raised an alarm that heavily armed terrorists were driving a large herd of rustled livestock through the vicinity of Kaddanya Village.
Acting on the intelligence, the joint security team swiftly mobilised and laid an ambush along the terrorists’ suspected route.
The troops intercepted the suspects at Sabari Reraya Village, where a gun battle ensued after the terrorists encountered the security forces.
According to the sources, the troops overwhelmed the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and flee into the surrounding bush.
Following the successful engagement, the security forces secured the recovered livestock and dominated the area to forestall any attempt by the fleeing terrorists to regroup.
Efforts are currently underway to identify the rightful owners of the recovered animals and facilitate their return.
The operation forms part of the ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry campaign by Operation FANSAN YAMMA aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, protecting rural communities and safeguarding livelihoods across the North-West.
Military authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with local security outfits to deny criminal elements freedom of action and enhance security in the region.
