The troops of the Joint Task Force Northwest, under the 17 Brigade Strike Group, neutralised 21 terrorists and dismantled their enclaves in a coordinated assault at Ruwan Godiya, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, on Friday.

The operation marks a bold continuation of the kinetic phase of Operation FASAN YAMA III.

Military sources indicate that troops launched a decisive offensive on the terrorist hideouts, engaging them in a fierce firefight.

The intense pressure forced the criminals to abandon their base and flee into the surrounding bushes and rocky terrain, reportedly using herds of cattle as cover during their escape.

“Our troops were undeterred by their tactics,” stated a military official, who requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak on the record.

“They pursued the fleeing terrorists relentlessly, neutralising several of them, including some who tragically drowned while attempting to cross a nearby river.”

At the conclusion of the operation, 21 terrorists were confirmed neutralised, with no casualties recorded on the side of the troops.

Beyond the neutralisation of insurgents, the operation yielded a significant cache of arms and ammunition.

Recovered items include a general-purpose machine gun, several AK-47 and pump-action rifles, dozens of magazines, and hundreds of rounds of various calibres of ammunition.

Troops also seized grenades, rocket-propelled grenade components, a handheld radio, mobile phones with extra batteries, camouflage gear, magazine pouches, motorcycles, a manual pump, jungle bags containing charms, an empty wallet, and a sum of ₦15,260 in cash.

All recovered items are currently in military custody for further action.

This successful clearance operation represents another crucial step in the ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace and security to the region.

Military authorities confirm that troops remain in high morale, with further offensive operations actively underway.