Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 17 Brigade in Katsina have recovered 529 rustled livestock following a gun battle with suspected bandits in Kafur Local Government Area of the state.
The Army said the operation was launched based on credible intelligence indicating the movement of armed criminals around Kasuwan Sabo area.
According to the Acting Director, Army Public Relations for the Brigade, Captain Abayomi Adisa, troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi, under the leadership of the Camp Commander, Lieutenant Colonel M.M. Isa, carried out the operation on February 7, 2026.
He said the suspects were believed to have infiltrated the area from neighbouring Zamfara State. Preliminary reports linked the group to one Idi Abasu Aiki, alleged to be a brother of notorious bandit leader Ado Aliero.
Captain Adisa stated that upon arrival at the scene, the troops came under heavy gunfire from the bandits but responded decisively, forcing the attackers to flee into nearby forests while abandoning some of the rustled animals.
The troops pursued the fleeing suspects between Burdugau and Unguwan Matau in Malumfashi axis, where more livestock were recovered as the bandits reportedly dropped them during the chase.
In total, the troops recovered 290 cows, 238 sheep, one donkey, and one motorcycle. However, 14 cows were killed during the exchange of fire after the bandits allegedly used the animals as shields.
The Army confirmed that no soldier was injured during the operation. The recovered livestock have been handed over to the relevant authorities for identification and return to their rightful owners.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Major General Paul Koughna, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism and assured residents of sustained offensive operations to strengthen security across the state.
