TheCable

Troops of Nigerian army operating in Faskari and Safana areas of Katsina state have killed 11 notorious cattle rustlers in action. 

The soldiers also arrested 39 armed bandits and handed them over to police.

According to a press statement made available to reporters on Thursday in Katsina by Ikechukwu Stephen Eze, a captain and assistant director army public relations, many others escaped with injuries.

Eze explained that Operation RESTORE PEACE was recently activated following the request by the governors of seven north-western states under the leadership of Kaduna state governor and approved by the president to checkmate cattle rustling and armed robbery in their states.

He said the operation was coordinated by headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army and involves 1 Brigade, 3 Brigade, 1 DISFORCE, 31 Artillery Brigade and supported by the Nigerian Air Force.

According to the statement, troops conduct raids, ambushes and fighting patrols in some of the affected areas under 3 Brigade, namely Danmusa, Dandume, Funtua, Faskari, Safana, Sabuwa, Batsari, Kafur, Jibia and Kankara LGAs, towards ending cattle rustling in the state.

“From 10 July 2015 when the operation commenced to date, seven major rustlers’ enclaves were identified and cleared,” he said.

Among the items recovered from these rustlers were 157 cows, 140 sheep, 19 goats and 6 donkeys, which were handed over to chairman of the Katsina state standing committee on farmers and herdsmen who coordinates handing over of recovered items to their owners.

“Also recovered were several 19 locally made Dane guns, 1 locally made pistol , pieces of military uniforms, 3 national identity cards, 2 expired international passports, assorted charms and a pickup truck possibly used for their nefarious activities,” Eze said.

“It is worthy to note that the physical presence of the troops and their relentless efforts have returned confidence and facilitated the resumption of farming and local commercial activities in the affected communities.

“It is equally expedient to appreciate the support enjoyed by the troops from the Nigeria Police, Department State Services, other concerned security agencies and law abiding citizens.”

The army also called for continued and sustained collaboration with all stakeholders in a bid to end the menace of cattle rustling and other criminal activities in the area of operational responsibility.