By Kingsley Omonobi

Abuja—Troops of Operation Sharan Daji engaged in anti-cattle rustling, armed banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in various states of the North-West, weekend, recorded major successes against rustlers, killing 12 of them, destroying their camps and recovered many livestock, arms and ammunition.

A statement from Army headquarters said: “In Zamfara State, troops killed four rustlers, wounded 16, arrested three and destroyed seven camps.

“The troops also recovered 486 livestock, two machetes, three AK-47 rifles and four AK-47 rifle magazines from the criminals.

“In Katsina State, troops killed five rustlers, arrested two of them and destroyed five camps. They also recovered an AK-47 rifle, four locally-manufactured guns and 12 machetes. The troops also recovered 116 livestock from the rustlers.

“One of the soldiers was inju-red and is receiving treatment.

“In Kaduna State, the troops also recovered 305 livestock, two locally-made pistols, three bows and arrows and four machetes. The troops killed two armed rustlers, arrested seven and destroyed six camps belonging to the criminals.

“In Kano State’s Doguwa Forest, one rustler was killed and their camp destroyed. The troops also recovered 126 cattle, 331 sheep, 10 donkeys and three camels from the rustlers.

“Deep operations by troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies deployed in the various states are ongoing to flush out kidnappers, cattle rustlers and other armed criminals.”