No fewer than 20 suspected terrorists have been neutralised by troops of Operation Haderin Daji in the Northwest zone.
NIGERIACRIME learnt that the operation was carried out in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Disclosing this, the spokesman of OPHD, Captain Yahaya Ibrahim, in a statement he made available to newsmen, also revealed the troops rescued kidnapped hostages in Faskari and Batsari Local Government Area of the State.
“Furthermore, troops’ offensive operations led to the neutralization of terrorists in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State. Troops responded to bandits activities in Malumfashi and Danmusa Local Government Areas of Zamfara and Katsina States respectively as well as Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State,” he said.
According to the spokesman, a fighting patrol was conducted in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State and a suspected impostor was apprehended in Mallam Madori Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
He said, “On 13 November 2023, following a tip-off, troops arrested five suspected terrorists in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects were part of the terrorists that attacked Sayaya village on 6 Nov 23 in the same LGA.
“On 13 and 14 November 2023, troops intercepted and rescued 11 kidnapped hostages in Faskari and Batsari Local Government Areas of the State.
“On 15 November 2023, troops while on fighting patrol made contact with terrorists in Batsari LGA of Katsina State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 magazines loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 4 motorcycles.
“Between 18 and 19 November 2023, in separate operations, troops responded to information on bandits activities in Maru, Malumfashi and Danmusa Local Government Areas of Zamfara and Katsina States respectively. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 4 bandits and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages.
“The troops recovered one AK47 rifle with magazine loaded with 13 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 3 mobile phones, one motorcycle and the sum of N18,560.00.
The statement added that, On 20 November 2023, troops conducted a fighting patrol and made contact with bandits in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, saying that with a firefight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered 2 locally made pistols, one long Dane gun, 5 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 mobile phones and destroyed 2 motorcycles.
“On 21 November 2023, troops on fighting patrol responded to kidnapping activities in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State. Troops rescued 52 kidnapped hostages on the operation”
It further stated that On 17 November 2023, the air component of Operation Haderin Daji conducted air interdiction on a targeted terrorist leader’s enclave known as Lalbi Nagogo.
“The enclave is in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Following confirmation of the terrorist and his foot soldiers’ presence, the location was struck with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed several terrorists were neutralized with various structures destroyed.
“The troops neutralized 20 terrorists, arrested 20 terrorists and rescued 83 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one AK47 rifle loaded with 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one long Dane gun, 2 locally made pistols, 72 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 empty cases of rounds of 7.62mm special 4 magazines, 5 motorcycles, 7 mobile phones and amongst others.
“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further actions. These actions include prosecution.”