By Kastina, Nigeria- The Nigerian Army announced today that troops of Forward Operation Base Malumfashi, under Headquarters 17 Brigade, recovered 529 rustled livestock after engaging suspected terrorists in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to the Army, the operation was carried out on 7 February 2026 and was led by the Commanding Officer of FOB Malumfashi, Lieutenant Colonel MM Isa, following intelligence on terrorist movement around Kasuwan Sabo in Kafur Local Government Area.
The Nigerian Army said preliminary findings showed that the suspects allegedly infiltrated the area from neighbouring Zamfara State and were believed to be led by Idi Abasu Aiki, said to be the younger brother of bandit leader Ado Aliero.
The Army stated that troops mobilised immediately after receiving the intelligence and advanced to the area, where the terrorists opened fire on sighting them, forcing the troops to respond and drive the suspects into nearby bushes.
According to the Nigerian Army, troops pursued the fleeing suspects and caught up with them between Burdugau and Unguwan Matau villages in Malumfashi Local Government Area, where the terrorists abandoned the rustled livestock.
The Army said a total of 529 livestock were recovered, including 290 cows, 238 sheep, one donkey, and one motorcycle, while 14 cows were killed during the exchange of fire after being used as shields by the suspects.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that no casualty was recorded on the side of its troops during the operation.
The Army stated that the recovered livestock were handed over to relevant authorities for identification and return to their rightful owners.
