Security Operatives in Niger State, have recovered over 500 animals after killing dozens of bandits in communities in Munya and Shororo Local Government Areas of the state.
The operations was said to have led to the interception of over 500 animals at Kuchi, Galadiman- Kogo, Allawa and Erena communities of Munya and Shiroro local governments areas of the state.
The animals were conveyed to Minna, the state capital, in company of local hunters.
Five of the cows died before arriving Minna due to the congestion in the truck and the distance covered.
The Commissioner of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal Security, Emmanuel Umar, said the animals recovered consisted of over 300 cows and over 100 sheep.
He said they would be kept under the care of the State Ministry of Livestock.
He said while many bandits were neutralized, some security operatives also lost their lives though he declined giving the number of security men who lost their lives.
He said arrangements had been made to take care of the families of the slain security operatives.
The Commissioner noted that the state government had also concluded plans to establish a committee to fashion out modalities to identify the real owners of the intercepted animals or otherwise auction them and remit the proceeds to the state treasury.
Mr Umar noted that the onslaught on bandits in the state would be sustained until the state was rid of bandits, animal rustlers, kidnapping and other criminal elements.
