‘10 terrorists killed’ as troops raid hideouts in Katsina

Troops of operation Hadarin Daji have reportedly killed 10 terrorists during a raids on their hideouts in Katsina.

In a statement on Thursday, the Nigerian Army said the troops conducted the raids in Batsari and Safana LGAs of the state.

According to the statement, most of the fleeing terrorists sustained gunshot injuries, while four motorcycles, three locally made guns and other items were recovered.

In another development, the troops raided terrorists hideouts in Maru LGA of Zamfara and rescued nine hostages.

“The troops of the joint task force north-west Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD) have neutralized 10 terrorists, rescued 9 kidnap victims and recovered arms and ammunition including operational motorcycle and communication gadgets,” the statement reads.

“Notably, on the 3rd January 2024, the combined troops of the OPHD conducted an offensive operation in identified terrorist enclaves at Batsari and Safana LGAs of Katsina state, neutralizing 10 of the terrorists while others fled with gunshot wounds.

“The troops also recovered 1 AK-47 Rifle, ammunition, 7 dane guns, 3 locally fabricated guns, and other dangerous weapons as well as communication gadgets, mobile phones and military uniforms while 4 motorcycles recovered and destroyed insitu.

“Similarly, on the same day, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI operating in Zamfara state, conducted a search and rescue operation at Dansadau and Dandalla villages in Maru LGA of Zamfara state.

“During the operation, 9 kidnapped victims were rescued which includes; 5 women and 4 babies. The victims were abandoned by the terrorists who fled after a gun duel with the resilient troops.

“The rescued victims were immediately reunited with their families at Magami.”

Godwin Matkut, general officer commanding (GOC) 8 division of the Nigerian army, commended the troops and urged them to sustain the tempo.