Troops of Sector 2 under Operation Fansan Yamma have recovered 147 livestock believed to have been rustled by suspected terrorists during a security operation in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The operation followed intelligence reports that armed criminals were moving a large number of stolen animals through communities in the area.
Acting on the information, troops were deployed to Horo Birni village, where they positioned themselves along a route frequently used by the suspects.
On sighting the soldiers, the suspected terrorists reportedly abandoned the animals and fled into nearby bushes.
A search of the area led to the recovery of:
- 101 cattle
- 44 sheep
- 2 camels
- 3 motorcycles believed to have been used by the fleeing suspects
The Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, said the recovered livestock had been identified and returned to their rightful owners.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to combat cattle rustling, banditry and other criminal activities in Sokoto State and the wider North-West region.
