No fewer than 11 terrorists have been killed by troops in Katsina and Zamfara states during raid on identified kingpins’ hideouts in the North West.
A statement by the Nigerian Army on its official X handle (formerly Twitter), said troops in Zamfara on 29 March 2024 successfully raided the den of a notorious terrorists’ kingpin, Hassan Yantagwaye, in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The statement said troops destroyed the camp during the operation in which they overpowered the terrorists in an ensuing gun battle, killing three of them and recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition.
“Yantagwaye and his group have been responsible for kidnappings and acts of terrorism in some parts of North West Nigeria,” it stated.
Relatedly, the troops in Katsina on 30 March 2024, engaged in a fierce gun battle with terrorists in Shawu Kuka, Shinda, Tafki, Gidan Surajo, and Citakushi in Kabai I and Kabai II within Faskari Local Government Area.
The troops killed eight terrorists and recovered three locally fabricated guns, military uniforms and a large quantity of stolen grains.
Also, troops on 29 March, 2024 intercepted 441 wraps of substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa at Molegede Village in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The troops uncovered the illicit substances being conveyed in a Mazda Saloon car, after the smugglers absconded, abandoning the vehicle on sighting the troops.
“The vehicle and illicit products will be handed over to the appropriate agency after preliminary investigations”.
Meanwhile, in Ebonyi State, troops conducting night patrols on 31 April 2024, encountered armed Effium militias along Urban Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The troops in the combat engagement that followed, overpowered the militias and captured one of them.
The troops also recovered one AK – 47 Rifle and 11 rounds of 7.62mm Special Ammunition.
“The suspect is currently undergoing preliminary investigation” the statement added.
The statement noted that the Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the populace and will leave no stone unturned to rid the nation of terrorists and insurgents.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, commending the bravery and dedication of the valiant troops in the successful operations, assured the public of its unwavering commitment in executing its constitutional responsibilities.
