Troops of 35 Battalion, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army in a joint patrol with Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Katsina State, on Friday gunned down a suspected cattle rustler among other bandits who escaped with gunshot wounds.

Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman disclosed in a statement that the exercise was carried out under the auspices of Operation Sharan Daji, along Tsambe-Fafare Road in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

According to the Army Spokesman, the operation was predicated on information volunteered by well meaning citizens that three gunmen were sighted on motorcycles.

“The team swung into action and pursued the suspected armed bandits towards Dumburu forest in Zamfara State. During an encounter, the team killed one of the suspected cattle rustlers and armed bandits, while the other two escaped with gunshot wounds.”

The troops, however, recovered an AK-47 rifle with registration number 1985PS6288, additional AK-47 rifle magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

“Another combined team also carried out special raids operations along Faskari-Sheme-Mairuwa Road, Katsina State. It was in that process that they arrested a notorious cattle rustler and armed bandit, Abubakar Mohammed (AKA Gora) alongside his boys and accomplices; Anas Gora and Bello Sani. The team recovered 49 cattle and 25 sheep from them. The suspects were handed over to the police while the recovered animals have been handed over to Faskari Local Government Area Council Secretary for handing over to the rightful owners.”

•File Photo shows a camp abandoned by cattle rustlers as troops approached.