By Deborah Nnamdi
Operatives of the Nigerian Army on Friday launched an assault on a terrorist stronghold located in Shawu Forest, Ruwan Godiya Ward, within the Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation led to the elimination of numerous terrorists and significantly weakened their operational capabilities. This action forms part of the ongoing kinetic phase of Operation Forest Sanity III, conducted by troops from the 17 Brigade Strike Group.
This was disclosed in a statement by Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs for Katsina State, which was made available to the press on Saturday in Katsina.
The statement detailed that at about 8:50 a.m. on Friday, the troops launched an attack on the terrorists’ positions, engaging them in intense gunfire.
According to Mu’azu, the ferocity of the assault compelled the terrorists to abandon their camps and flee into the thick bushes and rocky areas, using their livestock as shields during their retreat.
The troops, however, continued their pursuit, relentlessly engaging the fleeing terrorists, including those attempting to escape by crossing a nearby river.
The statement read, “Recorded Success: In the course of the operation, 21 terrorists were killed, including those swept away by the river while trying to escape. However, there were no casualties among the military team.
“Also recovered were about 40 motorcycles and a yet-to-be-ascertained number of rustled cattle from the bandits.”
Following the mop-up operations, the troop recovered items, which included one General Purpose Machine Gun, five AK-47 rifles, a pump-action rifle, 21 AK-47 magazines, and 17 Motorola communication radios.
“Other items recovered were a considerable quantity of ammunition and other critical items. This included 74 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. 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.
“Further recoveries included a motorcycle manual pump, an empty wallet, three jungle bags containing various charms, and a sum of N15,260.
“All the recovered items are kept in the custody of the military for further necessary action. Operations are still ongoing, and the morale among the troops remains consistently high.
“In light of this significant operational success, the Katsina State Government has extended its profound commendation to the gallant troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group. Speaking from the State House, His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umar Radda, lauded the professionalism, bravery, and unwavering commitment displayed by the soldiers,” the statement added.
Mu’azu further revealed that “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 urged the troops to maintain their high morale and continue their relentless pursuit of all criminal elements.”
