Troops of the Forward Operation Base (FOB) Malumfashi, under the Headquarters 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, have recovered 529 rustled livestock following a fierce gun battle with suspected terrorists in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Captain Abayomi Adisa, the operation was carried out on February 7, 2026, following credible intelligence on terrorist activities around Kasuwan Sabo in Kafur LGA.
“The operation, which was led by Lieutenant Colonel MM Isa, the Commanding Officer FOB Malumfashi, followed credible intelligence on the movement and activities of terrorists around Kasuwan Sabo in Kafur Local Government Area,” Adisa said.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspected terrorists infiltrated the area from neighbouring Zamfara State. Idi Abasu Aiki allegedly led the criminals, believed to be the younger brother of notorious bandit leader, Ado Aliero.
Adisa explained that troops swiftly mobilised to the area upon receiving the intelligence, adding that the suspected terrorists opened fire on sighting the advancing troops.
“On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists opened fire, but the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bushes, taking some rustled livestock with them,” he stated.
The troops immediately launched a hot pursuit and intercepted the fleeing suspects between Burdugau and Unguwan Matau villages in Malumfashi Local Government Area, forcing them to abandon the stolen animals.
“Following an extensive sweep of the general area, troops decisively defeated the fleeing terrorists and successfully recovered a total of 529 livestock comprising 290 cows, 238 sheep, one donkey, as well as one motorcycle,” Adisa added.
He, however, disclosed that 14 cows were killed during the exchange of gunfire.
“Regrettably, 14 cows, which were reportedly used as shields by the terrorists, were killed in crossfire during the encounter. The operation recorded no casualty on the side of their own troops, underscoring the professionalism and combat effectiveness of the troops,” he said.
The recovered livestock were subsequently handed over to the relevant authorities for verification and return to their rightful owners. The identification and handover process was supervised by the Chairman of Kafur Local Government Area, Honourable Suraju Nature, alongside the Divisional Police Officer of Kafur, Superintendent of Police Aminu Salihu.
Meanwhile, 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 bravery and professionalism.
He reassured residents of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements within the Division’s area of responsibility.
Adisa noted that troops of FOB Malumfashi have continued aggressive patrols across the general area to deny terrorists freedom of movement and operations.
