Nigerian Army troops operating in Faskari and Safana areas of Katsina State as part of Operation RESTORE PEACE II have recorded remarkable success in the effort to end cattle-rustling, an army spokesman said today.
Eleven of the most notorious cattle rustlers have been killed, while many others escaped with injuries. Thirty-nine armed bandits were arrested and handed over to the police.
A statement issued by Captain Ikechukwu Stephen Eze, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, said that Operation RESTORE PEACE II was recently activated following a request by the Governors of 7 Northwestern States under the leadership of the Kaduna State Governor and approved by the President to checkmate cattle rustling and armed robbery in their states.
He said the troops have during the operation also recovered 157 cows, 140 sheep, 19 goats and 6 donkeys, which were handed over to the chairman of the Katsina State Standing Committee on Farmers and Herdsmen, who coordinates the 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 passports, assorted charms and a pickup truck.
Troops in the operation, which is coordinated by the Headquarters of the 1 Division, conduct raids, ambushes and fighting patrols in some of the affected areas, he said. Other army units involved in the operation are 1 Brigade, 3 Brigade, 1 DISFORCE, 31 Artillery Brigade, and they are being supported by the Nigerian Air Force.
Captain Eze said the troops have been active in Danmusa, Dandume, Funtua, Faskari, Safana, Sabuwa, Batsari, Kafur, Jibia and Kankara local government areas of Katsina State. Since 10 July when the operation commenced, seven major rustlers’ enclaves were identified and cleared.
“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,” the statement noted. It expressed appreciation to the police, the Department State Services, other security agencies and law abiding citizens for their support of the operation.