Troops Recover Rustled Livestock, Arrest Suspected Bandits in Kaduna

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded a series of operational successes in Kaduna State, including the recovery of rustled livestock, the arrest of suspected bandits and the restoration of public order in affected communities.

According to a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operations were carried out between June 20 and 21 as part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities in the region.

The military said troops responded to intelligence on cattle rustling activities in a community within Kaduna State on June 20 and engaged the fleeing criminals in a gun battle.

During the encounter, two suspected bandits were killed, while weapons, ammunition and rustled livestock were recovered. One civilian was, however, killed during the attack by the bandits.

In a separate operation on the same day, troops on night patrol intercepted two suspected bandits. The military said digital materials recovered from the suspects linked them to terrorist and bandit activities. The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation.

On June 21, troops conducting a fighting patrol encountered armed criminals who fled into nearby bushes after coming under pressure from advancing soldiers.

The troops pursued the suspects and arrested two suspected bandit scouts. Motorcycles and communication devices containing incriminating materials were also recovered during the operation.

The military said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were involved in criminal activities within the area.

In another development, troops were deployed to Mararraba community following a violent protest triggered by the mob killing of a woman accused of child trafficking.

According to the military, the crowd attempted to attack public infrastructure and block a major highway before security personnel intervened.

Troops restored normalcy, dispersed the mob, secured critical facilities and ensured the free movement of commuters while maintaining security in the area.

The Theatre Commander commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, assuring residents that intelligence-driven operations would continue to target bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements across the North-West.