Troops of the Nigerian Army, working with other security agencies, have killed eight suspected terrorists during a successful ambush operation in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, preventing what authorities described as a planned attack on travellers along the Kakumi–Guga Road.
The operation, carried out on Thursday, also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and five motorcycles allegedly used by the suspected terrorists.
The Nigerian Army said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the armed group planned to block the road and attack unsuspecting commuters.
The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Abayomi Adisa, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Katsina on Thursday.
According to him, the troops acted quickly after receiving intelligence that the terrorists, believed to be loyal to a notorious bandit leader known as Idi Abasu Aiki, were preparing to launch the attack.
He said security personnel immediately laid an ambush along the Kakumi–Guga Road, where the terrorists were expected to pass.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the hybrid forces operating in the area laid an ambush along the Kakumi–Guga Road after receiving information that the terrorists intended to block the road and attack unsuspecting commuters,” Adisa said.
He explained that the terrorists arrived on five motorcycles and were met by troops waiting along the route.
A fierce gun battle followed as the terrorists attempted to fight their way through the military ambush.
According to the Army spokesman, the troops overpowered the attackers, killing eight of them during the exchange of fire.
“The encounter resulted in the neutralisation of eight terrorists. Following the operation, troops conducted a search of the area and recovered two AK-47 rifles and five motorcycles belonging to the terrorists,” Adisa stated.
He added that all the recovered weapons and motorcycles had been handed over to the Nigeria Police Division in Bakori for further investigation and other necessary actions.
The Army said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to deny terrorists and bandits freedom of movement across communities in Katsina State.
To prevent further attacks, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Bases in Ruwan Godiya and Mabai have intensified patrols and surveillance across the area.
According to Adisa, soldiers are carrying out aggressive patrols and area domination operations along routes believed to be used by criminal groups.
The aim, he said, is to prevent terrorists from regrouping and to reassure residents that security forces remain committed to protecting lives and property.
He assured members of the public that the security situation in the affected communities is being closely monitored.
He also said troops remain on high alert and are prepared to respond to any attempt by criminal groups to launch fresh attacks.
The latest operation is another success in the military’s ongoing campaign against terrorists, bandits and other armed groups operating across the North-West.
Katsina State has remained one of the states most affected by banditry and other violent crimes in recent years.
Several communities, particularly those located close to forests, have experienced repeated attacks involving killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling and destruction of property.
Bandit groups often use motorcycles to move quickly through remote communities and forest areas, making it difficult for security agencies to track them.
Many of the attacks have targeted villages, highways and farming communities, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.
The Federal Government has intensified military operations across Katsina and neighbouring states to weaken the activities of the armed groups.
The Nigerian Army has established Forward Operating Bases in several strategic locations to improve surveillance, respond quickly to security threats and protect vulnerable communities.
These bases have enabled troops to carry out regular patrols, intelligence-driven operations and ambushes against criminal gangs.
Military authorities have repeatedly appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information on the activities of suspected criminals.
The latest operation in Bakori Local Government Area highlights the growing reliance on intelligence-led operations in the fight against insecurity.
By intercepting the terrorists before they could block the Kakumi–Guga Road, security forces were able to prevent what could have resulted in loss of lives and disruption of movement along the busy route.
Residents of Katsina have continued to call for sustained military operations to ensure that terrorists and bandits do not regain control of rural communities.
The Nigerian Army has assured the public that it will continue to work closely with other security agencies to maintain pressure on criminal groups and restore lasting peace across the state.