By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded a major operational success with the recovery of 529 rustled livestock following a fierce encounter with suspected terrorists in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation was carried out by troops of the Forward Operation Base (FOB) Malumfashi, under Headquarters 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, acting on credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists around Kasuwan Sabo in Kafur LGA on 7 February 2026.
According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, Captain Abayomi Adisa, the operation was led by the Commanding Officer of FOB Malumfashi, Lieutenant Colonel M.M. Isa. Preliminary intelligence indicated that the suspected terrorists had infiltrated the area from neighbouring Zamfara State and were allegedly led by Idi Abasu Aiki, believed to be a younger brother of notorious bandit leader, Ado Aliero.
Upon advancing to the area, troops came under fire from the terrorists but responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee into nearby bushes with some of the stolen livestock.
Troops immediately launched a hot pursuit, catching up with the fleeing suspects between Burdugau and Unguwan Matau villages in Malumfashi Local Government Area, where the terrorists were compelled to abandon the animals.
An extensive sweep of the area led to the recovery of a total of 529 livestock, comprising 290 cows, 238 sheep and one donkey, as well as one motorcycle. Fourteen cows, reportedly used by the terrorists as shields, were killed during the exchange of fire. No casualties were recorded among the troops.
The recovered livestock were subsequently handed over to relevant authorities for identification and return to their rightful owners. The exercise was supervised by the Chairman of Kafur Local Government Area, Suraju Nature, alongside the Divisional Police Officer, Kafur, Superintendent of Police Aminu Salihu.
Commending the operation, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Paul Koughna, praised the gallantry and professionalism of the troops.
He reassured residents of the Nigerian Army’s resolve to sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements within the Division’s area of responsibility.
Troops of FOB Malumfashi, the Army said, have continued to dominate the area through aggressive patrols aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action.
