Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed two armed bandits and recovered about 1,000 stolen cows during a joint military operation in Taraba and Plateau states.
The operation was carried out by troops from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, in partnership with Operation Safe Haven.
The soldiers acted quickly after receiving reliable information that bandits on about 30 motorcycles had crossed from Plateau State into Taraba State to steal cattle from a Fulani settlement near Jebjeb village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
According to a statement by Captain Olubodunde Oni, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 6 Brigade, the troops responded with speed and surrounded the area. They engaged the bandits in a gun battle around Komodoro village, forcing them to flee into Daji Madam forest in Plateau State.
During the shootout, two of the bandits were killed and the troops recovered nearly 1,000 rustled cattle.
Captain Oni said the rescued animals were taken to safety and relocated to the Jebjeb community in Taraba State.
He added that arrangements were being made to identify the rightful owners of the cattle so they could be returned.
The commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the soldiers for their fast action and team effort. He also promised that the military would continue to go after criminals disturbing the peace in the region.
The operation, known as Operation Lafiya Jama’a, is part of ongoing efforts to stop criminal activities and protect residents in Taraba and neighbouring states.
