Army Recovers 257 Livestock, Foils Rustling Attempt In Kano

News in brief:

-Nigerian Army-led Joint Task Force foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Kano, recovering 257 stolen livestock.

-The bandits fled towards Katsina State after troops engaged them in a gun battle following a distress call from residents.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled an attempted cattle rustling operation in Gwarzo Local Government Area, recovering 257 livestock and repelling armed bandits. The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Major Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 3 Brigade Nigerian Army.

According to the statement, troops of the Joint Task Force in Gwarzo, led by soldiers of 3 Brigade, responded to a distress call from residents of Mainika village in the early hours of March 1, 2026.

Ambush Launched Along Suspected Bandit Route

The statement said the troops quickly deployed to a suspected bandit route at Dayi village, where they ambushed the rustlers who had earlier attacked Mainika and stolen livestock.

At about 6:57 a.m., security personnel engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the animals and flee the scene. The fleeing bandits reportedly escaped towards Malumfashi Local Government Area after being overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower.

Recovered Animals Returned to Owners

The recovered livestock included 135 cows, 119 sheep, one goat and two donkeys, bringing the total number of animals retrieved to 257. Authorities confirmed that the animals have been returned to their rightful owners through local community leaders and relevant authorities.

The Joint Task Force operating in Gwarzo comprises personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and local vigilante groups alongside the army.

Commander of the brigade, Ahmad Tukur, commended the troops for their bravery, vigilance and professionalism during the operation.

He also appreciated members of the community for providing credible intelligence that enabled the swift response.

Army Assures Residents of Continued Protection

The Army assured residents that security forces remain on high alert and that surveillance operations and patrols have been intensified across the area.

Authorities said the measures are aimed at preventing further attacks and ensuring the protection of lives and property in affected communities.