Troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intensified ongoing counterterrorism operations across Katsina State, recording major successes against armed groups and criminal networks in several local government areas.
The operations, conducted on May 9, targeted terrorist activities and criminal hideouts in Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, Dutsin-Ma and Malumfashi LGAs.
According to a statement issued on Sunday night by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Aliyu Danja, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted fleeing terrorists along the Matazu–Dutsin-Ma axis following recent military offensives in Dikawa.
The statement said troops of the 171 Battalion stationed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) FUDMA successfully laid an ambush that resulted in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“During the firefight, troops neutralised three terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, one motorcycle, three cutlasses and assorted charms,” the statement added.
In a separate operation, troops launched coordinated clearance missions targeting terrorist enclaves in Torcachi, Giginya and Tashar Ganji villages across Matazu, Musawa and Kankia LGAs.
Military authorities said the sustained pressure forced the terrorists to abandon their camps and flee the area.
The troops subsequently recovered 175 rustled livestock believed to have been stolen during previous attacks.
The recovered animals are currently in military custody pending their handover to the appropriate local authorities in Matazu LGA.
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Meanwhile, troops of FOB Malumfashi, working in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), carried out a raid on a suspected drug hub at Kauyan Dawo in Malumfashi LGA.
The operation led to the arrest of six suspected drug peddlers identified as Sani Rabiu, 25; Umar Nasiru, 22; Abulkubus Aminu, 35; Abdullahi Halilu, 27; Abubakar Rabiu, 22; and Abubakar Dahiru, 33.
Security operatives also recovered various illicit substances, including 82.5 grams of suspected Cannabis Sativa, 15.7 grams of Exol-5 and 1.8 grams of D5.
The suspects and recovered narcotics have since been handed over to the NDLEA Malumfashi Area Command for further investigation and prosecution.
Reaffirming its commitment to restoring peace across the North-West, the Theatre Command said troops would continue aggressive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements operating within the joint operations area.
The military also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to enhance ongoing operations.
