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 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.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Captain Abayomi Adisa.
Preliminary findings according to Captain Adisa 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.
He said: “Acting swiftly on this intelligence, troops of FOB Malumfashi immediately mobilised and advanced to the area.
“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 Local Government Area, compelling them to abandon the rustled livestock.
Following an extensive sweep of the general area, 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.
According to him, the operation recorded no casualty on the side of own troops, underscoring the professionalism and combat effectiveness of the troops.
He said the recovered livestock were handed over to the relevant authorities for verification and returned to their rightful owners.
Captain Adisa noted that the Chairman of Kafur Local Government Area, Honourable Suraju Nature, and the Divisional Police Officer, Kafur, Superintendent of Police Aminu Salihu, supervised the identification and proper handover of the animals.
He quoted 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”, he added.