Troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intensified offensive operations against terrorists and criminal groups in Katsina State, recording major breakthroughs across Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, Dutsin-Ma and Malumfashi Local Government Areas.
Gatekeepers News reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, troops acting on credible intelligence regarding terrorists fleeing recent military offensives in Dikawa launched a successful ambush along the Matazu–Dutsin-Ma axis.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the 171 Battalion stationed at the Forward Operating Base, Federal University Dutsin-Ma.
During the gun battle that followed, three suspected terrorists were killed, while troops recovered two AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, one motorcycle, three cutlasses, and assorted charms.
In another operation targeting terrorist hideouts in Matazu, Musawa and Kankia LGAs, troops working alongside the Katsina State Community Watch Corps raided camps located in Torcachi, Giginya and Tashar Ganji villages.
The statement noted that the suspected terrorists abandoned their camps and fled due to sustained military pressure.
Security operatives also recovered 175 rustled livestock during the clearance operation. The animals have reportedly been placed in military custody pending their transfer to the relevant authorities in Matazu Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, troops attached to the Forward Operating Base in Malumfashi, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, carried out a raid at Kauyan Dawo in Malumfashi LGA, resulting in the arrest of six suspected drug dealers.
The suspects were identified as Sani Rabiu, Umar Nasiru, Abulkubus Aminu, Abdullahi Halilu, Abubakar Rabiu and Abubakar Dahiru.
Recovered items included 82.5 grammes of suspected Cannabis Sativa, 15.7 grammes of Exol-5, and 1.8 grammes of D5.
According to the statement, both the suspects and the seized substances have been handed over to the NDLEA Malumfashi Area Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against terrorists and criminal elements threatening peace and security in the North-West.
It also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.
