Troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified offensive operations against terrorists and criminal elements in Katsina State, recording major successes across Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, Dutsin-Ma and Malumfashi Local Government Areas.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Media and Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, troops acting on credible intelligence about terrorists fleeing recent military offensives in Dikawa launched a successful ambush along the Matazu–Dutsin-Ma axis.

The operation was carried out by troops of the 171 Battalion deployed at the Forward Operating Base, Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FOB FUDMA).

During the ensuing gun battle, three suspected terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered two AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, one motorcycle, three cutlasses and assorted charms from the suspects.

In a separate clearance operation targeting terrorist hideouts in Matazu, Musawa and Kankia LGAs, troops, supported by the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, stormed terrorist enclaves located in Torcachi, Giginya and Tashar Ganji villages.

The statement said the terrorists fled their camps following sustained military pressure, abandoning several items during the operation.

Troops recovered 175 rustled livestock during the raid. The animals are currently in military custody pending their handover to the appropriate authorities in Matazu LGA.

Meanwhile, troops of FOB Malumfashi, in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), conducted a targeted raid at Kauyan Dawo in Malumfashi LGA, leading to the arrest of six suspected drug peddlers.

The suspects were identified as Sani Rabiu, 25; Umar Nasiru, 22; Abulkubus Aminu, 35; Abdullahi Halilu, 27; Abubakar Rabiu, 22; and Abubakar Dahiru, 33.

Items recovered from the suspects included 82.5 grams of suspected Cannabis Sativa, 15.7 grams of Exol-5 and 1.8 grams of D5.

According to the statement, the suspects and the recovered substances have been handed over to the NDLEA Malumfashi Area Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements threatening peace and security in the North-West region.

It also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.