By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have recorded another major success in the ongoing kinetic phase of the operation, killing 21 terrorists and dismantling a notorious insurgents’ enclave at Ruwan Godiya, Katsina State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, which began at about 8:50 a.m. and lasted into the evening hours of May 25, was led by the 17 Brigade Strike Group. The troops conducted a well-coordinated deliberate attack on the terrorists’ hideout, engaging them in a fierce gun battle that forced the insurgents to abandon their base.
Military sources Zagazola that the fleeing terrorists attempted to escape into nearby bushy terrain and rocky hills, using their cattle as a human shield to cover their retreat. However, the troops maintained close pursuit and engaged the criminals, including those attempting to flee across a nearby river.
In the process, the troops destroyed the terrorists’ livestock and life-support systems to cripple their operations in the area.
The Nigerian Army sources confirmed that there were no casualties on the part of the troops. However, 21 terrorists were neutralised, including several who were swept away in the river while attempting to escape under fire.
The troops recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition during the operation. Items recovered include: One General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), Five AK-47 rifles, One pump-action shotgun, Twenty-one AK-47 magazines and seventeen magazine chargers, 448 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 64 rounds of belted 7.62mm NATO ammunition, Two RPG-7 chargers and one RPG-7 bomb and Five CS 48mm hand grenades
Additionally, troops seized one Baofeng high-frequency radio, six mobile phones with three extra batteries, one camouflage jungle hat, three magazine pouches, and a motorcycle manual pump.
Personal belongings recovered from the scene include an empty wallet, three jungle bags containing charms, and the sum of N15,260 in local currency.
The recovered items have been secured and are in the custody of the troops for further analysis and exploitation. Military authorities have confirmed that mop-up operations are still ongoing in the general area to clear any remaining threats and ensure sustained security in the region.
