Troops kill suspected bandits, recover livestock in Kaduna

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) have recorded a series of operational successes in Kaduna State after coordinated missions on 20–21 June 2026 disrupted criminal networks, recovered rustled livestock and arrested several suspects.

This was made known in a statement on Monday by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

According to the JTF, troops acting on credible intelligence engaged fleeing cattle rustlers on 20 June.

The encounter, which included an exchange of gunfire, resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected bandits and the recovery of weapons, ammunition and stolen cattle.

One civilian was reported killed during the incident, the statement said.

In a separate night patrol the same day, soldiers intercepted two other suspected bandits.

Digital devices recovered from the pair reportedly contained materials linking them to terrorist and bandit activity.

Both suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

On 21 June, troops on a fighting patrol pressured armed criminals who fled into surrounding bush.

Persistent pursuit led to the capture of two suspected bandit scouts and the recovery of motorcycles and communication devices believed to contain incriminating evidence.

“Preliminary findings tie the suspects to ongoing criminality,” the JTF said.

Also on 21 June, troops responded to a civil disturbance in Mararraba community following the mob killing of a female suspect accused of child trafficking.

Security forces intervened to disperse the crowd, secure public infrastructure and reopen a major highway that had been threatened by the unrest.

“The vigilance, discipline and operational effectiveness displayed by our troops underline our resolve to relentlessly pursue terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements wherever they operate,” the Theatre Commander said in the JTF’s media release.

“We will sustain offensive and intelligence-driven operations to further degrade criminal networks and enhance security across the region.”