Troops Neutralise Terrorists, Rescue 32 Kidnap Victims in Katsina Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 17 Brigade, in collaboration with the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), have neutralised two terrorists and rescued 32 kidnapped victims during an offensive operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said that the operation was conducted at about 7:46 a.m. on May 8, 2026, following credible intelligence on the sighting of a terrorist kingpin identified as Muhammed Filani around Dikawa village.
The sources said troops swiftly mobilised to the location, engaging the terrorists in a firefight, which led to the neutralisation of two of the criminals.
Following the encounter, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, 15 AK-47 magazines containing four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) butt, one revolver chamber, eight PKT links, one fabricated hand grenade, a magazine pouch, and 10 motorcycles.
The operation also led to the rescue of 32 kidnapped victims from the terrorists’ enclave, as well as the recovery of 26 livestock reportedly rustled by the criminal elements.
Military sources said the rescued victims and recovered livestock are currently in troops’ custody for further profiling and necessary action.
Authorities added that clearance operations were ongoing in the general area to track fleeing members of the terrorist group and deny them freedom of movement within the region.
