The Kogi State Government has announced the recovery of more than 1,000 rustled livestock following a coordinated security operation targeting criminal gangs linked to the late notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, and other cattle-rustling syndicates operating across the North Central region.
The operation was carried out through a joint effort involving the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Hybrid Forces from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters.
According to the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, about 200 of the recovered livestock were traced to the criminal network of the late Battijo, while the remaining animals were recovered from other bandit groups engaged in cattle rustling within Kogi and neighbouring states.
Fanwo explained that intelligence reports revealed the criminals were transporting the stolen livestock through Kogi State for sale to generate funds for arms procurement, food supplies and other logistics to sustain their criminal activities.
Acting on the intelligence, security operatives launched coordinated offensives against the bandits at different locations, leading to fierce gun battles. Several suspects were reportedly neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds after abandoning the stolen livestock. Security agencies have since commenced efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.
He noted that members of Battijo’s gang have become increasingly vulnerable following the death of their leader, adding that sustained security operations have continued to weaken the group’s activities and cut off its operational network.
The commissioner disclosed that all recovered livestock are currently being kept in a secure facility in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area pending identification of their rightful owners and subsequent return.
Fanwo praised the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, as well as local vigilantes and hunters, for their professionalism and effective collaboration, describing the operation as another significant achievement in Kogi State’s fight against criminality.
He reaffirmed the state government’s determination to sustain its offensive against banditry and other violent crimes, while acknowledging the security support provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in strengthening security operations across the state.
The government also appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, assuring them that all information would be treated confidentially and acted upon promptly.
Fanwo stressed that security remains a collective responsibility and reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring Kogi State remains safe for law-abiding citizens while denying criminals any safe haven.
