Troops kill 10 terrorists in Katsina, Zamfara — rescue 9 kidnapped victims

• The terrorists were neutralised in Katsina and Zamfara states on January 3 during an offensive by the troops of military joint taskforce, Operation Haderin Daji (OPHD).

The Nigerian army says at least ten terrorists have been killed in two States of the north west region.

The terrorists were neutralised in Katsina and Zamfara states on January 3 during an offensive by the troops of military joint taskforce, Operation Haderin Daji (OPHD).

The development was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by OPHD’s spokesman, Captain Ibrahim Yahaya.

According to Yahaya, the feat was recorded in recent dry season clearance operations commanded by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Godwin Mutkut.

He disclosed that weapons were recovered from the violent non-state actors even as other terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds.

The statement said, “Notably, on the 3rd January 2024, the combined troops of the OPHD conducted an offensive operation in identified terrorists’ enclaves at Batsari and Safana Local Government Areas of Katsina State, neutralized 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 were destroyed instantly.

“Similarly, on the same day, troops of Operation Haderin Daji, operating in Zamfara State, conducted a search and rescue operation at Dansadau and Dandalla villages in Maru Local Government Area of the 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.”

The Commander of Operation Haderin Daji, Major General Godwin Mutkut, commended the efforts of the troops and urged them to maintain the tempo.