Troops Kill 4 Rustlers, Recover Stolen Livestock in Zamfara State

Nigerian troops have carried out several raids and clearance operations against cattle rustlers and armed bandits in parts of Zamfara State, killing four and recovering several head of cattle.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said in a statement on Sunday that the troops of 223 Battalion, 1 Brigade, under the auspices of Operation Sharan Daji of 1 Division, Nigerian Army, on Sunday carried out fighting patrol to Kabaru village forest, Maru Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara against cattle rustlers and armed bandits.

He said that during the patrol, “the troops engaged armed bandits  and killed three of them and wounded some”.

He said that the troops recovered 20 motorcycles, four empty cases  of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and four empty cases of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.

He listed other recovered items to include a mobile telephone handset, some rings and a bag containing local charms.

The DAPR said the troops also carried out similar operations in forests at Kusa, Bayan Dutse and Gusami general area in Birnin Magaji  Local Government Area of the state.

“Although no armed bandit was killed, it is believed some of them have escaped with gun shot wounds. The troops however made the following recovery; one AK-47 rifle,  AK-47 rifle magazine, 13 rounds of 7.62mm (Special)  ammunition, two motorcycles, four rustled cows and a machete.,” he stated.