By BANNERNEWS Reporter
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State have foiled an attempted cattle rustling operation, recovering no fewer than 257 livestock during a coordinated security operation.
The operation, led by troops of the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army stationed in Gwarzo, was carried out in the early hours of March 1, 2026, following a distress call from residents.
In a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Major Babatunde Zubairu, troops were swiftly deployed at about 6:57 a.m. to a suspected bandit escape route after reports of cattle rustling activities.
According to the statement, the troops ambushed and engaged armed bandits at Dayi village, where the criminals were attempting to move cattle earlier rustled from Mainika village in Gwarzo LGA.
On sighting the advancing troops, the bandits reportedly fled towards Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, abandoning the stolen animals during the encounter.
The recovered livestock included 135 cows, 119 sheep, one goat and two donkeys, bringing the total number of rescued animals to 257.
Military authorities disclosed that the rustlers suffered heavy casualties during the exchange, while the recovered animals have since been handed over to their rightful owners through local authorities.
The Joint Task Force in Gwarzo comprises personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilante groups.
Commander of the 3 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmad Tukur, commended the troops for their bravery and operational vigilance, noting that their morale and combat readiness remain high.
He also praised members of the local community for providing timely intelligence that aided the successful operation, assuring residents that intensified surveillance and sustained security operations would continue to safeguard lives and property in the area.
