Police, Military Recover 329 Cattle, 175 Sheep, AK-47 in Zamfara

Security operatives in Zamfara have recovered 329 rustled cattle, 175 sheep, an AK-47 rifle and ammunition after a joint police-military operation against armed bandits in Gumi Local Government Area.

The Zamfara State Police Command has recovered 329 rustled cattle, 175 sheep, an AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of live ammunition during a joint security operation in the state.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday.

According to the statement, the operation was carried out on June 20, 2026, at about 2:30 a.m. by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit in collaboration with military personnel at Gambanda Forest in Gumi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The joint security team reportedly engaged armed bandits in a fierce gun battle during the tactical operation.

“During the operation, the joint security team engaged armed bandits in a fierce gun duel. As a result of the operation, the security team recovered 329 rustled cattle, 175 sheep, one AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition,” the statement read.

The police said the recovered livestock were believed to have been stolen by criminal elements operating in the area.

DSP Abubakar stated that the Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, CP Ahmad Bello, commended the courage, professionalism and resilience displayed by the officers and other security personnel involved in the operation.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling banditry and restoring lasting peace across Zamfara State.

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to identify and eliminate criminal groups operating within the state.

The latest operation comes amid continued security efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb banditry, recover stolen property and improve safety in communities affected by criminal activities.

Authorities have maintained that sustained collaboration between security forces and local residents remains essential in addressing security challenges and protecting lives and property across Zamfara State.