Law enforcement officials retrieve over 1,000 stolen animals in Kogi state

The Kogi State Government has collaborated with 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 to recover approximately 1,000 rustled livestock in sustained security operations across the state.

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These operations specifically targeted the remnants of the late bandit kingpin, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo's, criminal network, as well as other cattle-rustling syndicates operating within Kogi State and the North-Central region, resulting in the recovery of over 200 livestock traced to Battijo's network.

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The remaining recovered livestock were seized from other armed bandits engaged in cattle rustling in Kogi and neighbouring states, who had attempted to move the stolen animals through Kogi State to finance their criminal activities.

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A press statement issued on Saturday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, attributed the successes of the security forces to credible and timely intelligence received and acted upon by the various security agencies involved in the operations.

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This intelligence enabled operatives to track the movement of the bandits and launch coordinated offensives before the stolen livestock could be taken to their intended destinations, ultimately thwarting the bandits' plans to sell the rustled livestock and raise funds for arms, food supplies, and other logistics.

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Security operatives acted swiftly on the intelligence, engaging the bandits in fierce gun battles at different locations, neutralising several criminals, while others fled with varying degrees of bullet wounds, abandoning the rustled livestock in their desperate attempt to escape the superior firepower of the security forces.

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Those who escaped are currently being trailed, according to Fanwo, who noted that the remnants of Battijo's gang have become increasingly desperate following the elimination of their kingpin, as sustained security operations continue to dismantle their network and cut off their access to logistics.

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Fanwo confirmed that many of the bandits have been buried alongside their kingpin, while those who escaped with injuries are being actively tracked by security forces, who will ensure they do not escape justice.

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The recovered livestock are currently being kept in a secure location in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, while arrangements are being made to identify their rightful owners and ensure their prompt return.

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The Commissioner 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, as well as the military, the police, local vigilantes, and hunters for their professionalism, bravery, and seamless collaboration, describing the operation as another major milestone in the state's sustained war against criminality.

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Fanwo reiterated the commitment of the Kogi State Government to sustaining the ongoing offensive against criminality, stressing that the administration will continue to maximise the security support provided by President Bola Tinubu to safeguard lives and property.

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The Kogi State Government will continue to make the best use of the security resources and support provided by President Bola Tinubu to tackle criminality, and will not relent until every part of the state is safe for its people, according to Fanwo.

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The state government urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, assuring them that all useful information would be treated with the utmost confidentiality and acted upon promptly.

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The government reaffirmed its resolve to ensure that Kogi State remains hostile to criminals and safe for all law-abiding citizens, emphasizing that security remains a collective responsibility.