By Ijeoma Agbafo
Troops of Operation “FANSAN YAMMA” have neutralised two suspected terrorists and recovered weapons, motorcycles and rustled livestock during an intelligence-led operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to an operational report made available on Monday, the raid was carried out in the early hours of the day under Operation Clean Sweep III. Troops of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army stormed a suspected terrorist enclave in Ginchawa following credible intelligence on the activities of criminal elements in the area.
The report stated that the terrorists attempted to resist the advancing troops but were overwhelmed by superior firepower and forced to flee into nearby bushes. The soldiers pursued the fleeing suspects along their withdrawal routes until contact was lost.
During the exploitation of the enclave, troops recovered two PKT machine guns, one locally made firearm, an AK-47 magazine, 75 rounds of 7.62mm NATO linked ammunition, three motorcycles, two mobile phones and a camouflage uniform. They also recovered cows and goats believed to have been rustled by the terrorists.
The military said two terrorists were killed during the operation, while several others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds, as traces of blood were discovered within the enclave.
It added that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and deny criminal groups freedom of action across the North-West region.
