After the recovery of about 1,000 heads.. Cattle rustling is a nightmare that plagues Nigerians

Written by: Ayman Ragab

The Kogi State Government, in collaboration with the 12th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Joint Task Force from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services, the Nigerian Police Force, along with local volunteers and vigilantes, has successfully recovered approximately 1,000 stolen cattle as part of ongoing security operations carried out across the state.

The operations targeted the remnants of the criminal network of the late bandit leader Kashala Ibrahim Batijo, along with other gangs involved in cattle rustling within Kogi State and across the North Central region of Nigeria.

The recovered cattle included more than 200 head that were traced to Patigi's criminal network, while the remaining animals were recovered from other groups of armed robbers involved in cattle rustling within Kogi State and neighboring states.

According to the information, the members of these gangs were trying to transport stolen livestock through Kogi State with the aim of selling them and using the proceeds to fund their criminal activities.

In a press statement released on Saturday, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Faniyi, explained that the successes achieved by the security forces were the result of reliable and timely intelligence information received by the various security agencies involved in the operations, which were acted upon swiftly.

He added that this intelligence enabled the forces to track the movements of the bandits and carry out coordinated operations before the stolen cattle reached their intended destinations.

He pointed out that the information also revealed the criminal groups' plans to sell stolen livestock to obtain funds for purchasing weapons, food supplies, and other logistical requirements.

Fannu stated: “In response to intelligence information, security forces quickly engaged the bandits in fierce armed confrontations at various locations. A number of criminals were neutralized, while others fled with varying degrees of injuries, leaving behind the stolen livestock in an attempt to escape the superior firepower of the security forces. Operations to track down the fugitives are ongoing.”.

Fannou confirmed that the remnants of the Batigo gang are living in a state of increasing despair since the elimination of their leader, pointing out that ongoing security operations continue to dismantle their network, restrict their freedom of movement within Kogi State, and cut off their logistical supply lines.