Soldiers Kill Eight Terrorists, Foil Planned Road Attack in Katsina

Troops of the Nigerian Army, working alongside other security agencies, have neutralised eight suspected terrorists during a successful ambush operation that thwarted a planned attack on motorists in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation, carried out on Thursday, also led to the recovery of two AK 47 rifles and five motorcycles allegedly used by the suspects.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Abayomi Adisa, disclosed this in a statement issued in Katsina.

According to Adisa, the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that terrorists believed to be loyal to a notorious kingpin, Idi Abasu Aiki, were planning to block the Kakumi to Guga Road and attack unsuspecting commuters.

He said troops acted swiftly by laying an ambush along the route after receiving intelligence on the terrorists’ planned movement.

The military spokesperson explained that the suspects, who were travelling on five motorcycles, encountered the security forces and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

“The encounter resulted in the neutralisation of eight terrorists. Following the operation, troops conducted a search of the area and recovered two AK 47 rifles and five motorcycles belonging to the terrorists,” Adisa said.

He added that the recovered firearms and motorcycles had been handed over to the Nigeria Police Division in Bakori for further investigation and other necessary actions.

Adisa further disclosed that troops stationed at the Forward Operating Bases in Ruwan Godiya and Mabai had intensified patrols and area domination operations along suspected routes leading to vulnerable communities.

According to him, the enhanced security operations are aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of movement while protecting residents and road users from further attacks.

He assured members of the public that the security situation in the area was being closely monitored, adding that troops remained on high alert to prevent future threats and sustain ongoing operations against terrorist groups operating across Katsina State.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies to maintain peace and strengthen efforts to combat terrorism and other forms of violent crime in the region.