Five suspected cattle rustlers are now in military custody after troops recovered 31 cattle during an operation in Kebbi State.
The development was revealed in a post shared on X on Saturday by security analyst Zagazola Makama.
According to the post, troops of 1 Battalion (Rear) carried out the operation on April 2 following intelligence reports on criminal and terrorist activities around Bachaka Village in Arewa Local Government Area.
Acting on the information, the troops set up a snap checkpoint along suspected crossing routes within the Kangiwa and Maiyama axis. During the operation, they intercepted a truck transporting livestock.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 31 cattle, one sheep, and one goat. The troops also found 13 motorcycles in the truck, while five suspects were arrested at the scene.
The suspects were later identified by local vigilantes as individuals linked to cattle rustling activities in the Maiyama area.
The recovered animals have since been handed over to the Kebbi State Ministry of Livestock Development, while the suspects remain in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security efforts are ongoing in the area as troops continue to track down other members of the suspected criminal network.
