Troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have killed three suspected terrorists, recovered 175 rustled livestock, and dismantled a drug trafficking network during coordinated security operations across Katsina State.
The military disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, the operations were conducted on May 9 across Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, Dutsin-Ma and Malumfashi Local Government Areas.
Danja said troops of the 171 Battalion stationed at the Forward Operating Base FUDMA acted on intelligence indicating that suspected terrorists fleeing recent military offensives in Dikawa were moving along the Matazu–Dutsin-Ma corridor.
He said the troops laid an ambush, leading to a gun battle in which three suspected terrorists were killed.
“During the ensuing firefight, troops neutralised three terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, one motorcycle, three cutlasses and assorted charms from the neutralised terrorists,” the statement said.
The military added that troops also launched simultaneous clearance operations targeting suspected terrorist hideouts in Matazu, Musawa and Kankia LGAs.
Supported by the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, the troops reportedly cleared camps in Torcachi, Giginya and Tashar Ganji villages, forcing the suspects to flee the areas.
“Overwhelmed by the sustained military pressure, the terrorists abandoned their camps and fled. Troops subsequently recovered 175 rustled livestock, which are currently secured in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate local authorities in Matazu LGA,” Danja stated.
In a separate operation, troops attached to FOB Malumfashi, in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, raided a suspected drug base at Kauyan Dawo in Malumfashi LGA.
The operation led to the arrest of six suspected drug dealers identified as Sani Rabiu, Umar Nasiru, Abulkubus Aminu, Abdullahi Halilu, Abubakar Rabiu and Abubakar Dahiru.
The military said security operatives recovered 82.5 grams of suspected cannabis, 15.7 grams of Exol-5 and 1.8 grams of D5 during the raid.
“The suspects and the seized narcotics have been transferred to the NDLEA Malumfashi Area Command for further investigation and prosecution,” Danja added.
He said Operation FANSAN YAMMA would continue intensified operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring security across the North-West.
