In a series of successful operations conducted on May 22nd, 2024, the Nigerian Armed Forces Combat Team One, in conjunction with the Nigerian Police Force, and the Katsina Community Watch Corps, neutralized one insurgent and rescued 18 kidnap victims in Katsina State.
According to a credible source from the military, the first clearance operation occured at approximately 10:30 am, based on intelligence reports of insurgent activity near the Maidabino River Line and Kanawa villages.
The troops from Combat Team One then engaged a group of insurgents found with stolen cattle. The insurgents opened fire upon encountering the troops but the soldiers fought back with superior firepower,
neutralizing one insurgent, forcing others to flee with gunshot wounds.
No Nigerian forces were harmed in the operation, the military source noted.
The military source also disclosed that earlier on the same day, at about 9:45 am, troops from Combat Team One received intelligence regarding the movement of suspected stolen cows belonging to farmers in Sarika village, Musawa LGA, towards Alhassanwa village in Danmusa LGA. The troops swiftly mobilized to the location and intercepted the insurgents, who were forced to abandon seven stolen cows.
The recovered cattle were subsequently handed over to officials of Danmusa LGA for further action, the source noted.
Similarly, in a separate operation conducted same day at approximately 11:25 am, a combined force of Combat Team One, the Brigade Mobile Strike Team, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Katsina State Community Watch Corps conducted a raid on a suspected insurgent camp located in Saunin Bala Maidala village, Danmusa LGA.
The troops engaged the insurgents, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives. A total of 18 kidnapped victims, consisting of one male, nine females, and eight children, were successfully rescued.
The rescued individuals who are reportedly from Safana LGA, have since been reunited with their families, the military source noted.
According to the military source, the general security situation in the state continues to be closely monitored to deter further criminal activity by insurgents and maintain peace for the people of Katsina.
Soldiers neutralize insurgent, rescue 18 kidnap victims in Katsina