Security Forces Recover 1,000 Heads of Stolen Cattle in Kogi – THIS

By Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Kogi State Government, in collaboration with the 12th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Hybrid Forces of the Office of the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, vigilantes and local hunters, recovered about 1,000 stolen cattle during sustained security operations across the state.

The operations targeted remnants of the criminal network of the late bandit kingpin, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, as well as other cattle rustler syndicates operating in Kogi State and the North Central Region.

The animals recovered include over 200 animals linked to the Battijo crime network, while the remaining animals were recovered from other armed bandits engaged in livestock theft in Kogi and neighboring states.

The criminals had attempted to move stolen cattle across Kogi State to sell to fund their criminal activities.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in a statement issued in Lokoja at the weekend, said the successes recorded by the security forces were made possible by credible and timely intelligence received and acted upon by the various security agencies involved in the operations.

He noted that the intelligence enabled officers to track the movement of the bandits and launch coordinated offensives before the stolen cattle could be taken to their intended destinations.

According to him, intelligence revealed that criminal groups intended to sell the stolen livestock to raise funds for the purchase of weapons, foodstuffs and other logistical services.

“Acting quickly on intelligence, security operatives engaged the bandits in fierce gunfights at several locations. Many criminals were neutralised, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds, abandoning rustled cattle in their desperate bid to escape the superior firepower of the security forces. Those who escaped are currently being followed,” he said.

Fanwo said the remnants of the Battijo gang have become increasingly desperate following the elimination of their kingpin, as ongoing security operations continue to dismantle their network, denying them freedom of operation within Kogi State and cutting off their access to logistics.

“I can confirm that many of the flies who chose to follow the corpse into the grave have now been buried alongside it, while those who escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds are being actively tracked by our security forces. They will not escape justice,” he said.

He disclosed that the recovered cattle are currently kept in a safe place in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area while arrangements are being made to identify their rightful owners and ensure their speedy return.

The Commissioner commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services, as well as the military, police, local vigilantes and hunters for their professionalism, courage and continued cooperation, describing the operation as another milestone in the State’s ongoing war against crime.

“Our feet will remain firmly on the pedals until we rid Kogi State of criminal elements and restore the confidence of our people to sleep with both eyes closed,” he said.

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

“As a government, we will continue to make the most of the security resources and support provided by President Bola Tinubu to tackle crime.

“The President has demonstrated strong commitment to enhancing national security, and Kogi State is already seeing significant gains through this collaboration. We will not relent until every part of our State is safe for our people,” he said.

The state government also urged residents to continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring them that all useful information will be treated in the strictest confidence and action will be taken promptly.

He reiterated that security remains a collective responsibility and reaffirmed his resolve to ensure that Kogi State remains hostile to criminals and safe for all law-abiding citizens.

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