Troops Overrun Bandits’ Enclave In Katsina, Recover Machine Guns, Motorcycles

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade have recorded a major operational success after overrunning a suspected terrorist enclave in Ginchawa, Matazu local government area of Katsina State, killing two terrorists and recovering weapons, motorcycles and other logistics items.

The raid, conducted under “Operation CLEAN SWEEP III”, took place in the early hours of yesterday following credible intelligence on the activities of terrorists in the area.

According to the acting assistant director of Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, Captain Abayomi Adisa, the troops launched a dawn raid on the hideout, catching the terrorists off guard.

The terrorists reportedly attempted to resist the advancing troops but were overwhelmed by the soldiers’ superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their position and flee into nearby bushes. Following the initial assault, the troops pursued the fleeing suspects along their escape routes. During the operation, two terrorists were neutralised, while several others are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

The military said traces of blood were found within the enclave and along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes, indicating casualties among the fleeing criminals.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of a cache of weapons, ammunition, communication equipment, and other items used by the terrorists.

Items recovered during the operation include two PKT machine guns, one dane gun, an AK-47 magazine, 75 rounds of 7.62mm linked NATO ammunition, three motorcycles, two mobile phones, a Motorola radio set, a pair of camouflage uniform, two cows, and four goats.

The Army confirmed that no casualties were recorded among the troops during the operation.

Captain Adisa said the successful raid demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing counter-terrorism operations by the 17 Brigade and reflects the military’s determination to deny terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of movement across Katsina State.

He reiterated the Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property while sustaining efforts to restore peace and security in communities affected by insecurity.

The latest operation is part of ongoing military offensives targeting terrorist hideouts and criminal networks operating in parts of Katsina and the wider North-West region.