Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade have killed three suspected bandits during an ambush operation in Katsina state, recovering an AK-47 rifle and other items from the scene.
The operation was carried out by soldiers attached to the Forward Operating Base, FUDMA, in Dutsin-Ma, according to a statement issued on Sunday by Capt. Abayomi Adisa, the acting assistant director.
Adisa said the troops targeted suspected terrorists fleeing sustained military offensives around the Matazu axis of the state.
He explained that the soldiers mounted strategic blocking positions along the Turare–Kitibawa–Kuka–Mai Damusa Road before the suspects ran into the ambush late on Friday.
“At about 9:40 p.m., the fleeing criminals ran into the ambush laid by troops,” he said.
The army spokesman disclosed that one AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with three rounds of ammunition, one motorcycle, three cutlasses, assorted charms and N3,500 cash were recovered during the operation.
He added that the mission formed part of ongoing military offensives aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring security across Katsina and neighbouring communities.
Adisa also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence to strengthen ongoing counter-banditry operations in the state.