Troops of the 17 Brigade in Katsina have killed four suspected terrorists during a combat operation along the Turare–Yantumaki Road, delivering a significant setback to armed groups terrorising several local government areas.
The command’s spokesperson, Nasir Mu’azu, Commissioner for International Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Katsina on Saturday.
According to Mr Mu’azu, the operation unfolded on Friday when troops came under attack but swiftly repelled the assault. He described the outcome as a strategic blow to the network of a feared kingpin, Muhammadu Fulani, whose operations have plagued parts of Matazu, Musawa, Charanchi, and Kankia.
Items recovered from the scene included an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, two motorcycles, multiple mobile phones, and cash amounting to ₦153,400.
“Some of the seized phones contained images of the suspects clad in military gear, which have now been handed over for forensic analysis,” Mr Mu’azu said.
Preliminary intelligence identified the neutralised suspects as Bishir Holami, Jamilu Baki, Ibrahim Doro, and Abdurraman Maje – figures linked to a string of deadly attacks across Gobirawa, Raddawa, Kuki, and surrounding communities in Dutsinma and Matazu local government areas.
The commissioner hailed the development as a major operational success, underscoring the intensified crackdown on armed groups in the region. He added that the offensive against banditry would continue until peace is fully restored across the state.
Mr Mu’azu urged residents to remain vigilant and sustain their cooperation with security agencies, noting that community intelligence continues to play a critical role in ongoing operations.
He assured that the government would further strengthen support for security forces to ensure that criminal elements are decisively rooted out of Katsina.