The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Kano State Command, says it has recovered 25 of the 44 cattle rustled by suspected bandits in Falgore Forest, Tudun Wada Local Government Area.
The NFSS State Commander, Abdullahi Al’ameen, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Kano.
He said the incident occurred at the Dutsen Dariya area of the forest, where suspected armed bandits allegedly invaded a Fulani settlement at about 1:00 a.m. on Monday.
According to him, “Two victims, Malam Muhammadu Sunusi, 30, and Abdullahi Muhammadu, 17, were attacked and tied up before 44 cattle belonging to them were taken away.
“Operatives of the NFSS Sumaila Division received intelligence information about the incident at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday and immediately launched a search operation in the forest.
“The operation lasted for four hours, during which the suspected bandits abandoned 25 of the cattle and fled with the remaining 19”.
The state commander said they recovered 25 cattle and took them to safety.
Al’ameen further explained that the NFSS formally handed over the 25 rescued cattle to the Nigeria Police Force, Kano State Command, on Tuesday for identification and return to their rightful owners.
He added that the handover was conducted by the Assistant Commander, Patrol and Guard, Lawan Bello-Ja’en, on behalf of the NFSS State Commander, to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Gani Division.
The state commander urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts in combating cattle rustling and other criminal activities in forest areas.
Al’ameen reiterated the commitment of the service to protecting forest communities and improving security through cooperation with other security agencies.
