Troops from Operation FANSAR YANMA have struck a major blow against insurgents in Katsina State, killing 21 terrorists and dismantling their hideout in Ruwan Godiya.
According to Counter Insurgency Analyst, Zagazola Makama, sources familiar with the operation, said the mission began around 8:50 a.m. on May 25 and lasted well into the evening.
Led by the 17 Brigade Strike Group, the soldiers launched a coordinated attack on the camp, catching the terrorists off guard and forcing them to flee under heavy gunfire.
The terrorists, in a desperate attempt to escape, tried to use herds of cattle as cover while retreating into nearby bushes and rocky hills.
Some even attempted to cross a river to evade capture. But the troops stayed in pursuit, engaging them from all sides.
During the chase, several insurgents drowned while trying to escape across the river. The soldiers also destroyed livestock and supplies that supported the terrorists’ operations in the area.
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Military sources confirmed that no soldiers were harmed in the operation. “Twenty-one terrorists were neutralised, including some who were swept away in the river,” the source said.
A large cache of weapons and equipment was recovered, including one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), five AK-47 rifles, one pump-action shotgun, and 21 AK-47 magazines.
The troops also found 17 magazine chargers, 448 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 64 rounds of belted 7.62mm NATO ammunition, two RPG-7 chargers, one RPG-7 bomb, and five CS 48mm hand grenades.
Communication tools and other items seized from the camp include a Baofeng high-frequency radio, six mobile phones with extra batteries, a camouflage jungle hat, three magazine pouches, and a motorcycle manual pump.
The troops also recovered personal effects, such as an empty wallet, three jungle bags containing charms, and ₦15,260 in cash.
All recovered items are now in the custody of the military for further analysis. Troops remain on the ground conducting mop-up operations to clear out any remaining threats and restore security to the area.