Troops of the Nigerian Army at the Forward Operating Base foiled a bandit attack and recovered 97 cattle and 50 sheep during an attempt to rustle livestock in Yankamaye, Rimaye axis along the boundary between Kano and Katsina states.

A statement on Thursday by the assistant spokesman for the 3 Brigade, Babatunde Zubairu, said the armed bandits were seen moving rustled livestock around the Yankamaye and Rimaye axis on Wednesday, July 15.

“Acting on credible intelligence on 15 July 2026 at about 1745 that armed bandits were moving rustled livestock around the Yankamaye and Rimaye general area, the troops deployed at the axis swiftly positioned themselves at various crossing points, where they intercepted the fleeing bandits,” he said. 

Mr Zubairu stated that during the ensuing exchange of gunfire, troops overwhelmed the bandits, forcing them to abandon the rustled livestock and flee towards Katsina State.

“Troops captured two terrorists and recovered one motorcycle, 97 cattle, and 50 sheep. Recovered cattle have been returned complete to their rightful owners,” he said. 

Mr Zubairu added that one local vigilante, Mallam Yusuf Adamu, aged 47 from Yanchibi Village, lost his life after being caught in the crossfire.  

The Nigerian Army extended its heartfelt condolences to his family and the entire Yanchibi community over this unfortunate incident.

“Troops have continued to exploit the general area in pursuit of the fleeing bandits,” he said.

The commander of 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, commended the troops for their high level of alertness, professionalism, and fighting spirit. 

He urged them to sustain the operational tempo until all bandits and criminals hibernating within the area are completely neutralised.