Army Foils Kidnap, Recovers 164 Rustled Animals In Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto

Troops of the Nigerian Army on Thursday arrested two alleged notorious cattle rustlers and recovered arms and ammunition during a raid in Plateau State.

The operation, conducted by troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), targeted the suspects’ hideout at Kogul Village in Mangu Local Government Area.

According to the Media Information Officer, Major Samson Zhakom, the raid was intelligence-driven and part of efforts to tackle cattle rustling, a recurring trigger of violence in the state.

During the operation on September 11, troops apprehended two suspects and recovered “one AK-47 rifle; one AK-47 magazine; one fabricated revolver rifle; ten rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition; a mobile phone and cash, (amount undisclosed).”

Zhakom confirmed that the suspects and the seized items remain in custody as investigations continue.

He added that follow-up operations are underway to track down other syndicate members.

In a separate operation, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA (OPFY) recovered 164 rustled animals during clearance operations.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama said the recoveries followed ambushes against terrorists transporting stolen livestock across communities.

He noted that troops, working with vigilantes, intercepted terrorists moving animals from Talata Mafara Local Government Area to the Anka axis in Zamfara, seizing 21 sheep.

“Similarly, troops of 8 Division in conjunction with Keystone forces, repelled terrorists who attacked Garbe Kanni village in Tureta LGA, Sokoto.

“A total of 143 sheep were recovered and a terrorist camp destroyed,” Makama said.

The recovered animals were later handed over to local government officials in Bakura and Tureta for onward return to their rightful owners.

Meanwhile, troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and local vigilantes, rescued 17 kidnapped victims in Kogi State.

The victims, comprising 13 adults and four children, were abducted on September 10, 2025, at Opamaru Village along Obajana–Lokoja Road while travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State to Abuja.

Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, explained that troops at Patrol Base Apata received intelligence on the incident and were reinforced with the Brigade Quick Response Group.

On arrival at the scene, soldiers discovered the abandoned bus, empty.

He said, “Employing field craft, the soldiers swiftly trailed the kidnappers’ footprints to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area, where the troops came in contact with the criminals.

“Overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, the criminals abandoned all 17 kidnapped passengers and fled into the bush with various degrees of gunshot injuries.

“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilisation.”

Abdullahi reassured the public of the Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging citizens to support ongoing operations by providing timely intelligence.