Troops of the Nigerian Army in separate operations conducted in Zamfara and Katsina states killed no fewer than 11 terrorists.

The terrorists were killed following a raid on terrorist kingpin enclaves in the states.

In Zamfara, the hideout of a terrorist leader, Hassan Yantagwaye, in Tsafe Local Government Area was raided which resulted in a gun battle with two of his men killed in the operation.

This was contained in a post by the Nigerian Army on X on Monday.

It read, “Nigerian Army troops deployed for Counter Terrorism Counter Insurgency operations in Katsina and Zamfara States, in a series of coordinated operations, have raided terrorists’ enclaves resulting in the elimination of a significant number of terrorists.

“In an operation in Zamfara State, on March 29, 2024, troops successfully raided the den of a notorious terrorists’ kingpin, Hassan Yantagwaye, in Tsafe Local Government Area. Yantagwaye and his group have been responsible for kidnappings and acts of terrorism in some parts of North West Nigeria.

“During the operation, troops overpowered the terrorists in an ensuing gun battle, neutralizing 3 of them and recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition. Troops also destroyed the terrorists’ camps.”

According to the post, the operation conducted in Katsina State led to the death of eight terrorists.

Weapons and military uniforms were recovered from the terrorists.

“In Katsina State, the gallant troops on 30 March 2024 engaged in a fierce gun battle with terrorists in Shawu Kuka, Shinda, Tafki, Gidan Surajo, and Citakushi in Kabai I and Kabai II within Faskari Local Government Area.

“The troops neutralised eight terrorists and recovered three locally fabricated guns, military uniforms, and a large number of stolen grains,” the post added.

The service also said troops captured armed fighters in Ebonyi State and intercepted illicit drugs in Ogun State.

The service added, “In Ebonyi State, troops conducting night patrols on March 31, 2024, encountered armed Effium militias along Urban Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Troops overpowered the militias in a combat engagement that followed and captured one of the militias.

“The troops also recovered one AK -47 rifle and 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The suspect is currently undergoing a preliminary investigation.

“Troops on March 29, 2024 intercepted 441 wraps of substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa at Molegede village in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun state.

“The vigilant troops uncovered the illicit substances being conveyed in a Mazda Saloon car, after the smugglers absconded, abandoning the vehicle on sighting the troops. The vehicle and illicit products will be handed over to the appropriate agency after preliminary investigations.”

Recall that in March 2024, the Nigerian Army said its troops, in collaboration with hybrid forces, killed eight terrorists during an operation conducted in Sambisa Forest in Borno State.

The Army also said several terrorists fled with gunshot injuries during the gun duel that ensued during the operation.

It added that during the raid in Sambisa forest, its men killed three terrorists and destroyed their hideouts in the forest.

Culled from PUNCH