Troops Neutralise Terrorist, Rescue Abducted Woman in Katsina
Troops of 17 Brigade have intensified ongoing counterterrorism and anti-banditry operations in Katsina State, leading to the neutralisation of a suspected terrorist and the rescue of a kidnapped woman during separate operations in Sabuwa and Danmusa Local Government Areas.
The operations were conducted under the ongoing military offensive, Operation Forest Sanity IV, as security forces sustained pressure on criminal elements operating across parts of the state.
Military sources disclosed that troops deployed at Combat Team 3 in Damari village, Sabuwa Local Government Area, neutralised a suspected terrorist during a fighting patrol along the Dandume–Damari road near Gamji village on May 21.
According to the sources, the troops encountered the suspect riding a motorcycle while conducting clearance operations within the area.
The troops reportedly pursued and engaged the suspect in a brief firefight, resulting in his neutralisation.
Items recovered from the operation included one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine loaded with ammunition, a motorcycle and an Itel mobile phone believed to belong to the suspect.
Sources added that troops subsequently carried out exploitation operations across the surrounding area to eliminate any further threats.
No casualty was recorded among the troops and no equipment was lost during the operation, according to security officials.
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In a separate operation on the same day, troops deployed at Yantumaki in Danmusa Local Government Area rescued a 30-year-old woman abducted during an attack by suspected terrorists on the community.
Security sources said the troops swiftly responded after hearing gunshots from the outskirts of the town in the early hours of May 21.
Residents reportedly informed the soldiers that the attackers had abducted a woman identified as Mrs. Abida Rufai and fled into the surrounding bush.
The troops immediately trailed the assailants along their withdrawal route and engaged them in a gun duel.
Faced with superior firepower from the troops, the terrorists abandoned the victim and escaped into the bush.
Mrs. Rufai was rescued unharmed and later reunited with her family amid relief and excitement in the community.
Military authorities said troops have continued aggressive patrols and domination operations across the affected areas to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.
They added that the latest operational successes underscore the military’s determination to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks operating in Katsina State and other parts of the North-West.
Several communities across Katsina State have in recent years experienced persistent attacks linked to banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping, prompting intensified military offensives and joint security operations across forest corridors in the region.
By PRNigeria
