Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade have rescued nine kidnapped victims, foiled a planned terrorist attack, recovered 56 rustled livestock, and arrested a suspected terrorist during a series of coordinated operations across Katsina State.
The operations, conducted as part of ongoing clearance efforts to eliminate terrorism and banditry in Nigeria’s North-West, targeted criminal elements operating in Bakori, Faskari, and Danmusa Local Government Areas.
According to the Army, troops acting on credible intelligence on July 14 laid an ambush for terrorists led by a notorious bandit commander who were planning an attack in the Bakori general area. The criminals reportedly opened fire after sighting the troops but were overwhelmed by superior firepower, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes.
During the follow-up exploitation of the area, troops recovered 56 rustled livestock comprising 52 sheep and four cows, which had been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
In a separate operation on July 15, troops on a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area rescued nine kidnapped victims who escaped from a terrorist enclave.
The victims, made up of four men, three women, and two toddlers, were abducted by armed terrorists on July 9 in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Military authorities said the rescued victims are receiving medical attention and necessary care while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families through the appropriate authorities.
In another development, the Commander of the 17 Brigade, Brigadier General Maikarfi Ibrahim, arrested a suspected terrorist during an operational tour of Danmusa Local Government Area.
A preliminary search of the suspect’s mobile phone reportedly uncovered video footage showing him wielding an AK-47 rifle. The suspect attempted to escape but was quickly subdued by troops.
Items recovered from him include a motorcycle, mobile phones, an ATM card, and an undisclosed sum of cash. He is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.
The latest operations underscore the Nigerian Army’s sustained offensive against terrorist and bandit networks in the North-West, aimed at restoring security and protecting lives and property across affected communities.
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