The Special Task Force set up by the Nigerian Army to tackle menace of rustlers in Sokoto State on Monday said it had recovered herds of cattle after a gun battle with the hoodlums on Sunday.

The Spokesperson of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Capt. Umar Shi’aibu, who confirmed the incident, said the animals were recovered at Gidan-Kare forest, Tureta Local Government area of Sokoto State.

He said the livestock include 94 cattle, six camels and hundreds of goats and sheep, adding that the animals were camped at Abdulbaki Model Primary school, Tureta.

Shu'aibu said the animals would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for identification of the owners.

The Spokesman of the Police command in the state, El-Mustapha Sani, said security agencies in the state would further strengthen their operations to curb the menace of rustlers.

He commended the effort of the Governors in the North West against rustling, saying, “This development is part of the expected dividends of their collaborative actions.”

The Chairman, caretaker committee, Tureta Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu, while reacting to the recovery of the animals, commended the military for the effort.

He said the council would work with the military and other security agencies to further secure lives and property of the people. (NAN)

•Photo shows herd of cattle.