By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded a major operational breakthrough in Katsina State following the recovery of 529 rustled livestock after a fierce engagement with suspected terrorists in Kafur Local Government Area.
The operation was carried out by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi, under Headquarters 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, acting on credible intelligence about the movement and activities of armed criminals around Kasuwan Sabo axis of Kafur Local Government Area.
In an official signed statement, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Abayomi Adisa, disclosed that the operation, conducted on 7 February 2026, was led by the Commanding Officer of FOB Malumfashi, Lieutenant Colonel M. M. Isa.
According to the statement, preliminary findings indicated that the terrorists had infiltrated the area from neighbouring Zamfara State and were allegedly led by Idi Abasu Aiki, believed to be the younger brother of the notorious bandit leader, Ado Aliero. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops mobilised and advanced to the identified location.
Upon sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange. The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bushes with some of the rustled livestock. Troops immediately embarked on a hot pursuit and intercepted the fleeing terrorists between Burdugau and Unguwan Matau villages in Malumfashi Local Government Area, compelling them to abandon the animals.
An extensive sweep of the area led to the decisive defeat of the fleeing terrorists and the successful recovery of a total of 529 livestock, comprising 290 cows, 238 sheep, one donkey, and one motorcycle. Regrettably, 14 cows reportedly used as shields by the terrorists were killed in the crossfire. No casualty was recorded on the side of the troops, underscoring their professionalism and combat effectiveness.
The recovered livestock were subsequently handed over to relevant authorities for proper identification and return to their rightful owners. The handover process was supervised by the Chairman of Kafur Local Government Area, Honourable Suraju Nature, alongside the Divisional Police Officer, Kafur, Superintendent of Police Aminu Salihu.
Commending the operation, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Paul Koughna, praised the gallantry and professionalism of the troops and reassured members of the public of the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
Troops of FOB Malumfashi have since continued aggressive patrols across the general area to deny terrorists freedom of action and consolidate the gains recorded from the operation.
