SECURITY FORCES RECOVER OVER 1,000 STOLEN LIVESTOCK FROM BANDITS IN KOGI
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Kogi State Government, working alongside federal and local security agencies, has recovered more than 1,000 livestock from suspected bandits and cattle rustlers operating within the state and across the North-Central region.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters.
The coordinated security mission targeted the remnants of the criminal network led by the late bandit kingpin, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, as well as other cattle-rustling groups active in Kogi and neighbouring states.
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Of the recovered livestock, about 200 were linked to Battijo’s network, while the remainder were seized from other armed groups involved in cattle rustling. Authorities said the suspects were attempting to move the stolen animals through Kogi State for sale in order to fund their criminal operations.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the success of the operation was largely due to credible intelligence gathered and acted upon by the participating security agencies.
According to him, the intelligence enabled security operatives to monitor the movement of the criminals and launch coordinated offensives before the livestock could be transported to their intended destinations.
He explained that investigations revealed plans by the criminal groups to sell the stolen animals and use the proceeds to procure weapons, food supplies and other logistics.
Acting on the intelligence, security personnel engaged the suspects in a series of gun battles at different locations. Several bandits were reportedly killed, while others escaped with gunshot wounds, abandoning the livestock as they fled from the superior firepower of the security forces.
Fanwo stated that those who managed to escape are currently being tracked.
He noted that members of Battijo’s gang had become increasingly vulnerable following the death of their leader, as ongoing security operations continue to dismantle their network and cut off access to resources and operational bases.
“I can confirm that many of those who remained loyal to the late kingpin have now been neutralised, while those who escaped with injuries are being actively pursued by security operatives. They will be brought to justice,” he said.
The commissioner disclosed that the recovered livestock are being kept at a secure location in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area pending efforts to identify and return them to their rightful owners.
He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, the military, police personnel, local vigilantes and hunters for their professionalism and collaboration during the operation.
Describing the exercise as another significant achievement in the fight against crime, Fanwo reaffirmed the government’s determination to sustain the offensive against criminal elements.
“Our resolve remains firm. We will continue these operations until criminal activities are eliminated and residents can live without fear,” he said.
He also reiterated the state government’s commitment to making full use of the security support provided by President Bola Tinubu to protect lives and property.
Fanwo urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, assuring them that all intelligence would be handled confidentially and acted upon promptly.
He stressed that security is a shared responsibility and maintained that the government would continue working to ensure Kogi remains unsafe for criminals and secure for law-abiding citizens.
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