Troops Neutralise Terrorist, Recover Arms, Cash in Kogi, Katsina
Nigerian troops have intensified coordinated offensives against terrorist and criminal elements in parts of Katsina and Kogi states, resulting in the neutralisation of a suspected insurgent and the recovery of arms, ammunition and other items, while several criminals fled their enclaves ahead of advancing forces.
Security sources said troops of the 17 Brigade, working alongside local vigilantes, carried out clearance operations on suspected terrorist hideouts in Kafin-Soli, Karaduwa, Maraban Musawa and Jikamshi villages across Kankia, Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
The operation, conducted at about 8:00 a.m. on May 10, 2026, was aimed at dislodging criminal elements and restricting their movement within vulnerable rural communities.
According to the sources, the troops and vigilantes simultaneously advanced into the identified locations but encountered no resistance, as the suspected terrorists had reportedly fled before their arrival.
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Military authorities said exploitation operations were ongoing in the affected areas to prevent the criminals from regrouping or returning to the communities, adding that intelligence-led patrols and sustained offensives would continue across vulnerable parts of the state.
In a separate operation in Kogi State, troops of the 12 Brigade successfully ambushed suspected terrorists along the Old Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi axis in Lokoja Local Government Area.
The operation, which took place at about 4:50 a.m. on May 10, 2026, was conducted west of Meyanga and north of Adankolo Forest during a planned ambush mission.
Security sources disclosed that troops made contact with the terrorists in the early hours, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire during which one suspected insurgent was neutralised, while others fled the scene.
Items recovered from the operation included two AK-47 rifles, six magazines loaded with 145 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a locally fabricated pistol, a Motorola handheld radio, one motorcycle and ₦62,900 cash.
Troops also recovered a camouflage bandolier, three mobile phones and other sundry materials abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
Military authorities said troops had continued exploitation operations in the area to track down fleeing terrorists and prevent the regrouping of criminal elements, stressing that ongoing operations were part of efforts to dominate the environment and deny terrorists freedom of action.
By PRNigeria
