Security operatives have arrested three suspected bandits and recovered 18 rustled cows during a targeted operation along Maska Road in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 11:30 a.m. following a tip-off, which led to the interception of the suspects at Tudun Iya Village.
The sources disclosed that the arrested suspects were identified as Yusufa Sama’ila, 27, of Dogon Faru via Niger Republic; Abubakar Buba, 27; and Lawali Usman, 27, of Madawa Tawa via Niger Republic.
According to the sources, the suspects were found in possession of 18 cows bearing different markings but failed to give satisfactory account of ownership when questioned.
The sources added that during interrogation, the suspects confessed that the animals were rustled and were being transported for delivery to one Alhaji Tukur Adamu, also known as Alhaji Bala Dillali, 60, of Janda via Danja Local Government Area for sale at Makarfi Market.
They further revealed that the alleged receiver was subsequently tracked and arrested, while investigations are ongoing to uncover the wider criminal network involved in cattle rustling activities in the area.
