Troops of Operation Sharan Daji countering cattle rustling, armed banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in various states in North-western Nigeria have killed several suspected rustlers in the region.
In Zamfara State, four suspected cattle rustlers were killed while 16 others were wounded. Three others were arrested in the operation described as a major successes against the rustlers, by the spokesman for the army, Colonel Sani Usman.
Colonel Usman said seven rustlers’ camps were destroyed while 486 livestock were recovered.
“Two machetes, three AK-47 rifles and four AK-47 rifle magazines were also recovered from the criminals,” the army spokesman said.
Addressing reporters after the recoveries, the General Officer Commanding, the One Division of the Nigerian Army urged the residents of the state to report armed bandits and cattle rustlers to security operatives.
“We must take out these bad elements from our midst,” he said.
In Katsina State, the troops killed five suspected cattle rustlers, arrested two others and destroyed five camps.
They also recovered an AK-47 rifle, four locally manufactured guns and 12 machetes. At least 116 livestock from the rustlers.
He said one of the soldiers sustained injury and is receiving to treatment.
In Kaduna State, the troops also recovered 305 livestock, two locally made pistols, three bows and arrows and four machetes. The troops killed two armed suspected rustlers, arrested seven and destroyed six camps belonging to the criminals.
In Kano State’s Doguwa forest, one suspected rustler was killed and the rustlers’ camp destroyed. The troops also recovered 126 cattle, 331 sheep, 10 donkeys and three camels from the rustlers.
Deep operations by troops of one Division of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with other security agencies, deployed in the various States are ongoing to flush out kidnappers, cattle rustlers and other armed criminals.
