Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Kano have foiled a bandits’ attack and recovered 147 rustled livestock during a successful operation along the Kano-Katsina border, dealing another setback to criminal elements operating in the area.
According to an official statement signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Major Babatunde Zubairu, the operation was carried out on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, following credible intelligence that armed bandits were moving rustled livestock through the Yankamaye and Rimaye axis.
The statement said troops deployed at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), reinforced by personnel from a Response Area, swiftly mobilised and strategically positioned themselves along suspected bandits’ crossing routes.
On sighting the troops, the bandits engaged them in a gun battle but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the soldiers and forced to abandon the stolen livestock before fleeing towards neighbouring Katsina State.
During the operation, troops arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered one motorcycle, 97 cattle and 50 sheep, all of which have since been returned to their rightful owners.
The Army, however, disclosed that a local vigilante, Mallam Yusuf Adamu, 47, from Yanchibi Village, was tragically killed after being caught in the crossfire during the operation.
The Nigerian Army extended its condolences to the deceased’s family and the Yanchibi community over the unfortunate incident.
The statement added that troops have continued to dominate and exploit the general area in pursuit of the fleeing bandits with the aim of apprehending the remaining members of the criminal group.
Commending the troops for their gallantry, the Commander, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, praised their vigilance, professionalism and fighting spirit, urging them to sustain the offensive until all bandits and other criminal elements operating within the area are neutralised.
Brigadier General Jimoh also appreciated the continued support of residents and called on members of the public to sustain the provision of timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains vital to the success of ongoing counter-banditry operations.
