The Nigerian Army has neutralised 21 bandits in Shawu Forest, located at Ruwan Godiya Ward in the Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

This was contained in a statement signed on Saturday by the State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa.

According to the statement, troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group, the Nigerian Army carried out a deliberate attack on a terrorist enclave as part of the ongoing kinetic phase of Operation Forest Sanity III (OPFS III).

The operation resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, including those swept away by the river while trying to escape, and the decimation of their operational capacity.

There were, however, no casualties among the military team, according to the statement.

Besides operational weapons and ammunition, about 40 motorcycles and a yet-to-be-ascertained number of rustled cattle were said to have been recovered from the bandits.

Danmusa explained that, at approximately 08:50 am on May 23, the crack troops assaulted the terrorist positions, engaging them in a fierce gun duel.

He said the intensity of the attack forced the terrorists to abandon their camps and flee into the dense bushes and rocky terrain, using their livestock as shields for their escape.

He added that undeterred, the troops pursued the fleeing terrorists, engaging them relentlessly, including those attempting to escape by crossing a river.

AK-47s, Others Recovered

Following the extensive mop-up operations, the troop successfully captured a range of hostile equipment, which included one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), five AK-47s, a pump-action rifle, 21 AK-47s magazines, and 17 Motorola Communication (MC) radios.

Other items recovered were ammunition and other critical items, including 64 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition, 448 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four pump-action cartridges, two RPG-7 chargers, and one RPG-7 bomb.

Also included are five CS 48mm hand grenades, a Baofeng handheld radio (HHR), six mobile phones with three extra batteries, a camouflage jungle hat, and three magazine pouches were also secured.

Other included a motorcycle manual pump, an empty wallet, three jungle bags containing various charms, and a sum of ₦15,260.

All the recovered items are kept in the custody of the military for further necessary action, while operations are still ongoing.

Following the operational success, the Katsina State Government extended its commendation to the troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group.

Speaking at the State House, Governor Dikko Radda, lauded the professionalism, bravery, and unwavering commitment displayed by the soldiers.

He reiterated his administration’s support for the Nigerian Armed Forces in their ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and stability to all affected communities.

Governor Radda further urged the troops to maintain their high morale and continue their relentless pursuit of all criminal elements.