Troops of Operation Restore Peace II have smashed a gang of cattle rustlers killing eleven and apprehended thirty nine in katsina state.
A statement signed by Army spokesman in kano, Captain Ikechukwu Stephen Eze made available to newsmen said troops destroyed seven enclaves of the cattle rustlers.
The statement reads in part: “Troops of Nigerian Army operating in Faskari and Safana areas of Katsina State in the on-going Operation RESTORE PEACE II have recorded remarkable success.
“Operation RESTORE PEACE II was recently activated following the request by the Governors of 7 North Western States under the leadership of Kaduna State Governor and approved by the President to checkmate cattle rustling and armed robbery in their states.
“The operation is coordinated by Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army and involves 1 Brigade, 3 Brigade, 1 DISFORCE, 31 Artillery Brigade and supported by the Nigerian Air Force.”
Continuing the statement added: “Troops conducted raids, ambushes and fighting patrols in some of the affected areas under 3 Brigade namely; Danmusa, Dandume, Funtua, Faskari, Safana, Sabuwa, Batsari, Kafur, Jibia and Kankara LGAs aimed at ending cattle rustling in the state. From 10 July 2015 when the operation commenced to date, 7 major rustlers’ enclaves were identified and cleared.
During encounters, 11 of the most notorious cattle rustlers were killed-in-action and many others escaped with injuries while 39 armed bandits were arrested.
“Amongst the items recovered from these rustlers were 157 cows, 140 sheep, 19 goats and 6 donkeys, which were handed over to the Chairman Katsina State Standing Committee on Farmers and Herdsmen who coordinates 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 international passports, assorted charms and a pickup truck possibly used for their nefarious activities.”
