By Augustine Ehikioya
Katsina State Government has comemended troops as it confirmed a significant operational victory for the ongoing security offensive in the State, where the troops of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army on Friday neutralised four terrorists.
They also recovered weapons, motorcycles, and cash during a fighting patrol along the Turare-Yantumaki Road.
The encounter, according to a statement by Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Katsina State, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), occurred at approximately 11:40 a.m. when the troops came under attack by the terrorists.
Responding swiftly, the soldiers, it said, pursued and neutralised all four assailants without recording any casualties on their own side.
“Items recovered from the terrorists include one AK-47 rifle with a magazine and five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two motorcycles, four mobile phones, three Android phones containing photographs of the terrorists in military gear, and cash totalling ₦153,400.
“The recovered phones have been forwarded to relevant authorities for forensic investigation.”
Preliminary intelligence, the statement said, indicated that Bishir Holami, Jamilu Baki, Ibrahim Doro and Abdurraman Maje were neutralised.
It added “These key Commanders are responsible for masterminding deadly attacks in Gobirawa, Raddawa, Kuki, and several other communities across Dutsinma and Matazu Local Government Areas.
“His elimination represents a major blow to the bandit kingpin Muhammadu Fulani, who is terrorising Matazu, Musawa, Charanchi, and Kankia Local Government Areas.
“This development is a clear demonstration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s unrelenting commitment to ridding Katsina State of banditry and restoring peace to every community.
“On behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, I wish to assure all residents of Katsina State that this administration will not rest until the lives and properties of our people are fully secured. Our security forces are on the offensive, and results like today’s confirms that we are making measurable progress,” it stated.
The State Government also urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies.
Credible information from communities, the statement noted, has been instrumental in driving successful operations across the State.
“I also want to assure that the State Government will continue to support and strengthen the operational capacity of all security forces deployed across Katsina to ensure that bandits and terrorists find no safe haven in the State,” the statement concluded.
