By Augustine Ehikioya
Troops of Forward Operation Base (FOB) Malumfashi, under Headquarters 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, have recorded a major operational success following the recovery of 529 rustled livestock after a fierce engagement with suspected terrorists in Kafur Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State.
The operation, which was led by Lieutenant Colonel MM Isa, the Commanding Officer FOB Malumfashi, followed credible intelligence on the movement and activities of terrorists around Kasuwan Sabo in Kafur Local Government Area on 7 February, 2026.
Preliminary findings revealed that the terrorists were suspected to have infiltrated from neighbouring Zamfara State, allegedly led by Idi Abasu Aiki, believed to be the younger brother of the notorious bandit leader Ado Aliero.
Troops of FOB Malumfashi, acted swiftly on the intelligence, according to a statement by Captain Abayomi Adisa, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA) as they immediately mobilised and advanced to the area.
It said “On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists opened fire, but the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bushes, taking some rustled livestock with them.
“Troops immediately embarked on a hot pursuit and caught up with the fleeing terrorists between Burdugau and Unguwan Matau villages in Malumfashi LGA, compelling them to abandon the rustled livestock.”
Following an extensive sweep of the general area, it added that troops decisively defeated the fleeing terrorists and successfully recovered a total of 529 livestock comprising 290 cows, 238 sheep, one donkey, as well as one motorcycle.
“Regrettably, 14 cows which were reportedly used as shields by the terrorists were killed in cross-fire during the encounter. The operation recorded no casualty on the side of own troops, underscoring the professionalism and combat effectiveness of the troops.”
The statement added that the recovered livestock were handed over to the relevant authorities for verification and returned to their rightful owners.
“Honourable Suraju Nature, Chairman of Kafur Local Government Area and Superintendent of Police Aminu Salihu, Divisional Police Officer, Kafur, supervised the identification and proper handover of the animals.
“The General Officer Commanding 8 Division/Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Paul Koughna, has commended the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the troops and reassured the public of the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against all criminal elements within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
“Troops of FOB Malumfashi have continued to dominate the general area with aggressive patrols to deny terrorists freedom of action,” it stated.
