Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have recovered a large herd of rustled cattle after intercepting suspected terrorists fleeing Asarara Kaura community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The troops reportedly acted on credible intelligence and intercepted the fleeing suspects along the Tambuwal–Gadaichi–Gummi axis on Monday morning.
The suspected terrorists engaged the troops in a gun battle before retreating into the surrounding bushes with some reportedly sustaining gunshot wounds. They abandoned the cattle as they fled.
A military source familiar with the operation confirmed the development, saying the troops moved swiftly after receiving information about the movement of the suspects and the rustled livestock.
According to the source, “The troops responded to credible intelligence and intercepted the terrorists along the Tambuwal–Gadaichi–Gummi axis.
“They engaged the troops but were forced to flee into the bushes, some of them sustaining gunshot wounds. They abandoned the cattle while escaping.”
The recovered livestock has since been taken into military custody pending verification of ownership.
The source added, “The cattle will be handed over to the rightful owners after proper verification. The objective is to ensure that the recovered livestock gets back to the affected communities.”
The recovery is expected to bring relief to residents of the affected communities, where cattle rustling has continued to threaten livelihoods.
The operation also highlights the ongoing efforts by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma to disrupt terrorist and other criminal activities and recover property seized from communities across the North-West.
