A detachment of soldiers from 33 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Bauchi has recovered 37 cows and 75 rams from cattle rustlers in Kyata village, Ningi Local government Area of Bauchi State.
Brig. -Gen. Abraham Sudu, Brigade Commander of the brigade made this known on Friday in Kyata village, while chatting with newsmen after handing over the animals to their owners.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Inusa Danyaya, had complained to Gov. Mohammed Abubakar about the activities of the rustlers.
He told the governor during a Sallah homage that no fewer than 2,000 heads of cattle had been carted away and six persons killed by rustlers in Ningi Emirate Council.
Danyaya said that the activities of rustlers have become a nightmare to the residents of the emirate following incessant attacks.
Sudu, who handed over the animals to the owners, said they were recovered on Wednesday at about 6.00 p.m. by officers dispatched to clear the area of criminals.
He said that some communities in the area had complained to soldiers that cattle rustlers that had been operating within Toro, Lame and Bura forest had stolen some of their animals.
Sudu said that the soldiers trailed the rustlers to Kyata village and the rustlers on sighting the soldiers abandoned the animals and escaped into nearby forest.
"My men with the assistance of the District Head of Bura, Alhaji Yau Abubakar traced one Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru as one of the owners, and as you can see we have handed over the animals.
"It is a commendable effort and my men will remain here not only to arrest rustlers but criminals who may like to infiltrate from Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
"We have decided to establish a base here to checkmate any attempt by criminals to enter Bauchi State, we are not relenting as my men are still combing the areas to arrest the rustlers," he added.
Alhaji Yau Abubakar, the District Head of Bura, commended the army for a breakthrough and assured that he would support them in whatever way possible to enable them excel.
Abubakar directed vigilante, hunters and farmers within his area of jurisdiction to support the army to enable them clear the area of rustlers and other criminals.
Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru, one of the owners of the animals, commended the army for a job well done and urged them not to relent. (NAN)
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