Troops Destroy Terrorist Camp, Killing Two in Katsina

• Recover machine guns, motorcycles

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has neutralised two suspected terrorists and seized weapons, ammunition and other supplies during a raid on a terrorist enclave in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation, conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, targeted a suspected hideout at Ginchawa village in the early hours of Monday after credible intelligence was received.

Captain Abayomi Adisa, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 17 Brigade, said in a statement released on Monday that the troops launched a dawn assault on the camp, catching the terrorists off guard.

The statement added that the terrorists tried to resist but were overwhelmed by the brigade’s superior firepower and fled into the surrounding bushes.

“Troops immediately pursued the fleeing terrorists along their withdrawal routes. During the encounter, two terrorists were neutralised, while several others are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds, as traces of blood were discovered within the enclave and along the terrorists’ escape routes,” the statement read.

After the raid, the troops combed the area and recovered two PKT machine guns, one Dane gun, one AK‑47 magazine, and 75 rounds of 7.62 mm linked NATO ammunition.

Other items seized included three motorcycles, two mobile phones, one Motorola radio set, a pair of camouflage uniforms, two cows and four goats.

The statement noted that no military personnel were injured during the operation.

It emphasized that the successful raid highlighted the effectiveness of the 17 Brigade’s ongoing counter‑terrorism operations and reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action in Katsina State.

The brigade also reiterated its resolve to protect lives and property and to maintain a secure environment for law‑abiding citizens across the state.