‘11 terrorists killed’ as troops raid hideouts in Zamfara, Katsina

Troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) have reportedly killed eleven terrorists during a raid on their hideouts in Zamfara and Katsina states.

In a statement on Monday, the army said the troops raided the enclaves of notorious terrorists kingpin identified as Hassan Yantagwaye in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara.

The army said the operation in Zamfara was conducted on March 29, adding that the troops destroyed all the hideouts of the terrorists.

“In an operation in Zamfara State, on 29 March 2024 troops successfully raided the den of a notorious terrorists’ kingpin, Hassan Yantagwaye, in Tsafe local government area,” the statement reads.

“Yantagwaye and his group have been responsible for kidnappings and acts of terrorism in some parts of north-west Nigeria.

“During the operation, troops overpowered the terrorists in an ensuing gun battle, neutralising 3 of them and recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition.”

In Katsina, the troops stormed the hideouts of the terrorists in Shawu Kuka, Shinda, Tafki, Gidan Surajo, and Citakushi in Kabai, Faskari LGA and engaged them in a gun battle on March 30.

During the gun battle, the troops killed eight terrorists and recovered “three locally fabricated guns, military uniforms and a large quantity of stolen grains”.

The army said 441 wraps of substance suspected to be cannabis sativa was seized at Molegede village in Odeda LGA of Ogun state.

The suspected smugglers were reportedly conveying the substance in a Mazda saloon car but escaped and abandoned the vehicle when they sighted the troops.

“The vehicle and illicit products will be handed over to the appropriate agency after preliminary investigations,” the army said.

In Ebonyi, the troops, while on night patrol, arrested a militia along Urban Effium in Ohaukwu LGA of the state.

The troops overwhelmed the militias during a gun battle and recovered “one AK – 47 Rifle and 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition”.

The suspect is currently under investigation.

Taoreed Lagbaja, chief of army staff, commended the troops for their bravery and assured that the army is committed to eliminating all activities of terrorists in the country.