The Nigeria Army troops have successfully eliminated 11 terrorists in separate raids conducted in Zamfara and Katsina states.
The operations targeted the enclaves of terrorist leaders, resulting in significant victories against these criminal elements.
The raid in Zamfara state focused on the hideout of notorious terrorist kingpin, Hassan Yantagwaye, located in the Tsafe Local Government Area. Yantagwaye and his group have been responsible for numerous kidnappings and acts of terrorism in the North West region of Nigeria. During the operation on March 29, 2024, troops engaged in a fierce gun battle with the terrorists, overpowering them and neutralizing three of their members. Additionally, a substantial cache of arms and ammunition was recovered, and the terrorists’ camps were destroyed.
In Katsina state, gallant troops confronted terrorists in multiple locations, including Shawu Kuka, Shinda, Tafki, Gidan Surajo, and Citakushi within the Faskari Local Government Area. The intense gun battle led to the elimination of eight terrorists. The troops also seized three locally fabricated guns, military uniforms, and a significant amount of stolen grains from the terrorists.
The Nigerian Army’s successes were not limited to Zamfara and Katsina. In Ebonyi state, troops conducting night patrols encountered armed Effium militias along Urban Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area. The well-trained troops engaged the militias, overpowering them and capturing one of the armed fighters. The operation resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The captured suspect is currently undergoing preliminary investigation.
Furthermore, on March 29, 2024, vigilant troops intercepted 441 wraps of a substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa at Molegede village in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun state. The smugglers abandoned their Mazda Saloon car upon sighting the troops, leaving behind the illicit products. The recovered vehicle and contraband will be handed over to the appropriate agency after preliminary investigations.
It is worth mentioning that earlier in March 2024, Nigerian Army troops, in collaboration with hybrid forces, conducted a successful operation in the Sambisa Forest of Borno state. During the raid, eight terrorists were neutralized, while several others escaped with gunshot injuries. The operation also resulted in the destruction of terrorist hideouts within the forest.
The Nigerian Army continues its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s security and protecting its citizens from the threats posed by terrorist groups. These recent victories underscore the effectiveness of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts and serve as a testament to the bravery and dedication of the troops in the fight against terrorism.