The Kogi State Government says security operatives have recovered about 1,000 rustled livestock during sustained operations targeting the remnants of the criminal network of the late bandit leader, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, and other cattle-rustling syndicates operating within the state and across the North Central region.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the operation was carried out jointly by the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Hybrid Forces from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters.
Fanwo said more than 200 of the recovered animals were traced to Battijo’s criminal network, while the remaining livestock were recovered from other armed bandits involved in cattle rustling across Kogi and neighbouring states.
He explained that the suspects had attempted to move the stolen livestock through Kogi for sale to finance their criminal activities.
According to the commissioner, the operation was made possible by credible intelligence, which enabled security agencies to track the movement of the suspects and launch coordinated offensives before the livestock could be transported to their intended destinations.
He said intelligence reports indicated that the bandits planned to sell the animals to raise funds for weapons, food supplies and other logistics.
Fanwo added that security operatives engaged the suspects in gun battles at different locations, leading to the killing of several bandits, while others fled with gunshot wounds, abandoning the rustled livestock. He said those who escaped are being tracked by security agencies.
He noted that the remnants of Battijo’s gang had become increasingly desperate following the killing of their leader as ongoing security operations continue to dismantle the group’s network.
The commissioner disclosed that the recovered livestock are being kept at a secure location in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area pending identification and return 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 Department of State Services, the military, police, local vigilantes and hunters for what he described as their professionalism and collaboration during the operation.
Fanwo also reaffirmed the Kogi State Government’s commitment to sustaining the offensive against criminality, adding that the administration would continue to utilise security support from the Federal Government to protect lives and property.
He urged residents to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, assuring them that information provided would be treated confidentially and acted upon promptly.
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