Military eliminates trio of extremists, dismantles narcotics operation in Katsina

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Troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have sustained offensive operations across Katsina State, neutralising three suspected terrorists, recovering 175 rustled livestock, and dismantling a drug trafficking ring in coordinated operations.

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The military disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, signed by Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

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According to the statement, the operations were carried out on May 9 across Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, Dutsin-Ma and Malumfashi Local Government Areas.

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Danja said troops of the 171 Battalion deployed at the Forward Operating Base FUDMA acted on credible intelligence that terrorists fleeing recent military offensives in Dikawa were moving along the Matazu–Dutsin-Ma axis.

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He said the troops laid a successful ambush, leading to a gun battle in which three terrorists were killed.

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“During the ensuing firefight, troops neutralised three terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, one motorcycle, three cutlasses and assorted charms from the neutralised terrorists,” he said.

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The military spokesman added that troops simultaneously launched clearance operations targeting terrorist enclaves in Matazu, Musawa and Kankia LGAs.

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He said the troops, supported by the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, cleared hideouts in Torcachi, Giginya and Tashar Ganji villages, forcing the terrorists to abandon their camps.

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“Overwhelmed by the sustained military pressure, the terrorists abandoned their camps and fled. Troops subsequently recovered 175 rustled livestock, which are currently secured in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate local authorities in Matazu LGA,” Danja stated.

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In a separate operation, troops of FOB Malumfashi, working with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, raided a suspected drug base at Kauyan Dawo in Malumfashi LGA.

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The operation led to the arrest of six suspected drug peddlers identified as Sani Rabiu, Umar Nasiru, Abulkubus Aminu, Abdullahi Halilu, Abubakar Rabiu and Abubakar Dahiru.

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Danja said recovered substances included 82.5 grams of suspected Cannabis Sativa, 15.7 grams of Exol-5 and 1.8 grams of D5.

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“The suspects and the seized narcotics have been transferred to the NDLEA Malumfashi Area Command for further investigation and prosecution,” he added.

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He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements in the North-West.

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“The Theatre Command remains resolute in its commitment to aggressive operations against all threats to peace and security within the Joint Operations Area. We urge the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information,” the statement said.

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