Operatives of the Special Task Force (STF) in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, have recovered over 218 cows stolen by cattle rustlers in various parts of the state, Defence Headquarters announced this evening.

“Some of the cattle were salvaged when troops carrying out special patrols to deescalate cattle rustling in the region were alerted to a group of youthful cattle rustlers who had made away with some cattle after killing herdsmen at Kanke town. The Operatives who swiftly trailed and intercepted the rustlers have taken one of the suspects into custody for preliminary investigations after which he will be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency,” a story uploaded on the official website of DHQ’s Information Department said.

It added that “a separate operation carried out by the special patrol operatives has also led to the recovery of 30 cows from cattle rustlers in Panchiki village in Plateau State. The cattle were recovered following a pursuit by the troops, compelling the rustlers to abandon the cattle. All the cattle have been returned to their rightful owners across the state.

“Cattle rustling have been a major cause of violence and the bane of peaceful coexistence in North Central Nigeria.”