A detachment of soldiers from 33 Artillery Brigade, Nigeria Army, Bauchi, has recovered 39 cows and 43 rams from cattle rustlers in Dangarfa village, Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
A statement by Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, of the brigade, Major Joseph Afolasade, said that the animals were recovered on Monday.
Afolasade said that the animals were recovered by the soldiers in an operation code-named ‘Brigade Forward’, led by Lt. Haruna Hassan.
The statement said that some communities in the area had complained to the soldiers that the stolen animals were being moved from Zomo area to Dangarfa, both in Bura District.
“The soldiers trailed the rustlers to Dangarfa village; on sighting the soldiers, the rustlers abandoned the animals and escaped into a nearby forest.
“It is a commendable effort. The soldiers will remain there not only to arrest rustlers, but tackle criminals, who have been terrorising innocent people.
“We have decided to establish a base there to protect the people from criminals hiding in Bura, Lame and Torro forests.
“The soldiers are still combing the areas to arrest the rustlers,” he added.
Afolasade said that the operation was in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai’s order, directing the Artillery Brigade to clear the remnants of criminal elements still lurking around the areas.
The spokesman said that the recovered animals had been handed over to the District Head of Burra for onward transfer to the owners.
He advised local communities to assist the army and other security agencies with useful information that could lead to the arrest of criminals and cattle rustlers. (NAN)