Troops of the Joint Task Force Kano have foiled a bandit attack and recovered 97 cattle and 50 sheep during a successful operation along the Yankamaye–Rimaye axis on the Kano-Katsina border.
The operation, carried out on July 15, 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating that armed bandits were moving rustled livestock through the area. Troops deployed at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), reinforced by personnel from a Response Area, swiftly moved to strategic crossing points used by the criminals.
According to the Nigerian Army, the troops intercepted the fleeing bandits, leading to a gun battle in which the criminals were overpowered. Unable to withstand the troops’ superior firepower, the bandits abandoned the stolen livestock and fled towards Katsina State.
The operation resulted in the arrest of two suspected terrorists, while troops also recovered one motorcycle, 97 cattle and 50 sheep. The recovered cattle have since been returned to their rightful owners.
The Army, however, disclosed that a local vigilante, Mallam Yusuf Adamu, 47, of Yanchibi Village, was tragically killed after being caught in the crossfire during the operation. It extended its condolences to his family and the Yanchibi community over the unfortunate incident.
Troops have continued exploitation operations across the general area in pursuit of the fleeing bandits and other criminal elements.
Commending the troops, the Commander of 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, praised their vigilance, professionalism and combat effectiveness, urging them to sustain the momentum until all bandits and criminal elements operating in the area are eliminated.
He also appreciated the continued support of law-abiding residents, encouraging them to provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains vital to the success of ongoing operations against banditry and other forms of criminality.
The statement was signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Major Babatunde Zubairu, on July 16, 2026.
