Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered 529 rustled livestock following a gun battle with suspected terrorists in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State, military authorities confirmed on Saturday.
The operation was carried out by troops of Forward Operation Base (FOB) Malumfashi, under Headquarters 17 Brigade, after receiving credible intelligence on the movement of armed terrorists around Kasuwan Sabo area of Kafur LGA on 7 February 2026.
According to military sources, the operation was led by the Commanding Officer of FOB Malumfashi, Lieutenant Colonel MM Isa. The suspects were believed to have infiltrated the area from neighbouring Zamfara State and were allegedly led by Idi Abasu Aiki, said to be a younger brother of the notorious bandit leader Ado Aliero.
On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists reportedly opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange. Troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the assailants to flee into nearby bushes with some of the rustled animals.
The troops immediately embarked on a hot pursuit and intercepted the fleeing suspects between Burdugau and Unguwan Matau villages in Malumfashi Local Government Area, where the terrorists were compelled to abandon the livestock and escape.
After an extensive sweep of the area, the troops recovered 290 cows, 238 sheep, one donkey, and one motorcycle, bringing the total number of recovered items to 529 livestock. Military authorities, however, confirmed that 14 cows were killed during the crossfire, allegedly after being used as shields by the terrorists.
No casualties were recorded on the side of the troops during the operation.
The recovered livestock were subsequently handed over to relevant authorities for verification and return to their rightful owners. The process was supervised by the Chairman of Kafur Local Government Area, Hon. Suraju Nature, alongside the Divisional Police Officer of Kafur, Superintendent of Police Aminu Salihu.
Reacting to the development, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Paul Koughna, commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements across the Division’s area of responsibility.
Meanwhile, troops of FOB Malumfashi have continued aggressive patrols in the area to prevent terrorists from regrouping and to deny them freedom of movement.
