Troops Kill Two Terrorists, Recover Heavy Weapons in Katsina Raid

By: Zagazola Makama 

Troops of 17 Brigade conducting Operation Clean Sweep III have neutralised two suspected terrorists and recovered heavy weapons and other items during an intelligence-led dawn raid on a terrorist enclave in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Military sources said the operation was carried out in the early hours of Sunday at Ginchawa village, following credible intelligence on the activities of terrorists in the area.

The troops reportedly stormed the enclave and caught the terrorists by surprise. The suspects attempted to resist the assault but were overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower, forcing them to flee into surrounding bushes.

According to the sources, the troops immediately pursued the fleeing terrorists along their withdrawal routes until contact was eventually lost.

A subsequent exploitation of the enclave led to the recovery of two PKT machine guns, one Dane gun, one AK-47 magazine and 75 rounds of linked 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

Other items recovered during the operation included three motorcycles, two mobile phones, one Motorola radio set, a pair of camouflage uniforms, two cows and four goats.

The sources said no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation.

They added that two terrorists were neutralised, while several others were believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds, as traces of blood were discovered within the enclave and along suspected escape routes.

The operation forms part of ongoing military efforts to dismantle terrorist hideouts and restore security across Katsina State and the wider North-West region.