Troops recover abandoned livestock and arrest suspected bandits in Kaduna

The Nigerian army announced that troops from Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma (JTF NW OPFY) have achieved notable operational successes through coordinated actions in Kaduna State.

The army said it has disrupted criminal activity, captured suspected bandits, recovered stolen livestock, and restored public order in the affected communities.

According to a statement from Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation Fansan Yamma, troops responded on June 20 2026 to credible intelligence about cattle‑rustling in a Kaduna State community.

The statement said the troops confronted the fleeing criminals, sparking a firefight that neutralised two suspected bandits and yielded weapons, ammunition, and other items, as well as the recovered rustled livestock.

The report highlighted that the swift intervention disrupted the criminal operation and enabled the recovery of the stolen animals, but one civilian was killed during the incident as a result of the bandits’ actions.

In another operation on June 20 2026, troops intercepted two suspected bandits during a night patrol; a detailed examination of the suspects revealed digital evidence linking them to terrorist and bandit activities.

The statement added that the suspects are in custody and undergoing further investigation.

On June 21 2026, troops on a fighting patrol encountered armed criminals who, when pressured, retreated into the surrounding bush.

Maintaining an aggressive pursuit, the troops apprehended two suspected bandit scouts and recovered motorcycles and communication devices bearing incriminating evidence. Preliminary findings suggest the suspects’ involvement in criminal activity, and investigations continue.

On the same day, the army reported that troops quickly responded to a civil disturbance in Mararraba community, Kaduna State, after a mob killed a female suspect accused of child trafficking.

The violent crowd then attempted to attack public infrastructure and block a major highway before security forces arrived.

Troops restored law and order, dispersed the mob, secured critical facilities, and ensured uninterrupted traffic flow while maintaining a visible presence to prevent further breakdown of public order.