By Our Correspondent

National News – The Kano State Police Command and the Military Joint Task Force have recovered 67 stolen cows, one donkey, and one sheep from suspected cattle rustlers in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State.

The operation followed intelligence reports that armed criminals attacked villages in Gwarzo and nearby communities on Wednesday, stealing livestock belonging to local residents.

Police spokesperson Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa disclosed on Friday that officers from the Gwarzo Police Division and military personnel were immediately deployed after receiving reports of the attack.

According to the command, the suspects opened fire on the security team, leading to a gun battle before they were overpowered.

The police said the joint security operatives used superior tactics and firepower to force the rustlers to abandon the stolen animals and flee outside the state.

Authorities confirmed that all recovered livestock were taken to the Gwarzo Police Division for documentation and identification before being returned to their rightful owners through district heads under the supervision of the local government chairman on May 7.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori praised the officers and military personnel for their bravery and professionalism during the operation.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to fighting cattle rustling, banditry, and other crimes threatening rural communities in Kano State.

Bakori also urged residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information that could help prevent future attacks and improve proactive policing across the state.

The latest recovery comes amid growing efforts by security agencies to tackle livestock theft and violent crimes affecting farming communities in northern Nigeria.

Investigations and surveillance operations are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and strengthen security in the affected areas.