Nigerian Army Recovers 231 Livestock, Disrupts Terror Camps in Eight States

News in Brief:

-The Nigerian Army conducted coordinated operations across eight states to dismantle terrorist hideouts, stop farmer–herder clashes, recover stolen livestock, and rescue abducted farmers.

-These missions helped restore security in key agricultural regions, safeguarding rural livelihoods ahead of the harvest and dry-season farming periods.

Over the last 24 hours, the Nigerian Army has stepped up operations in multiple states across the northwest and north-central zones, targeting terrorist enclaves and responding to farmer–herder conflicts in communities where agricultural activity has been repeatedly disrupted. The coordinated missions covered Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kogi, Kwara, Imo and Benue States, regions critical to Nigeria’s food supply.

Clearing Routes, Recovering Livestock, and Protecting Farmers

In Katsina, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, supported by the Air Force, launched early-morning offensives on hideouts in Faskari and Sabuwa. By the end of the operation, soldiers had recovered several motorcycles and 231 livestock, many of which had likely been stolen from families whose livelihoods rely on animal husbandry. Artillery support also destroyed logistics bases at Ungwan Tsamiya. The livestock were handed over to Sabuwa LGA officials, restoring a measure of stability for affected farmers.

In Sokoto, troops rushed to halt a farmer–herder clash in the Talba community, where tensions had already escalated. A herder was killed, four farmers were injured, and a settlement was set ablaze. Soldiers recovered weapons and evacuated the wounded, a timely intervention that prevented the conflict from spreading.

Kebbi State also recorded two violent clashes in Bunza and Arewa LGAs, resulting in destroyed property and casualties on both sides. The military recovered weapons, assisted injured residents, and strengthened patrols to prevent retaliatory attacks, a common risk during peak farming seasons.

In Zamfara, a Counter-Terrorism Unit from 1 Brigade staged a successful ambush at Kwanan Jolof in Shinkafi. Troops neutralised one terrorist and recovered a motorcycle, phones and ten stolen sheep, part of the recurring thefts that have crippled livestock farmers across the region.

Rescues, Recoveries, and Ongoing Threats to Rural Communities

Across Kogi and Kwara, the GOC 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. C.R. Nnebeife personally led patrols around the Eruku road after reports that extremists had blocked the route and abducted commuters. Although the attackers escaped before troops arrived, a search-and-rescue mission was immediately launched, reinforcing security along a major corridor used by farmers and produce traders.

In Imo, troops recovered a bulldozer that had been trapped during an earlier confrontation, an essential machine for land clearing, agricultural access and rural development projects.

In Benue, under Operation Whirl Stroke, the military arrested a suspected extremist in Guma and later responded to an attack on farmers in Kwande LGA. During the mission, five abducted farmers were rescued after troops forced the attackers to flee. Sadly, the remains of two farmers killed earlier were recovered and handed to police authorities.

Why These Operations Matter 

Security remains one of the biggest challenges facing farmers in Nigeria. Terrorist activities, cattle rustling, banditry, and clashes between farmers and herders continue to disrupt food production across the north. The latest operations, although tactical and security-focused, have a direct impact on agricultural livelihoods by recovering stolen livestock, preventing retaliatory clashes, reclaiming farming routes, and rescuing farmers and rural residents.

As the harvest and dry-season farming periods approach, improved security is essential for restoring confidence among rural communities and sustaining food supply chains.