Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed a notorious terrorist leader identified as Maikusa and three others in the Kurfi and Safana local government areas of Katsina State.

Army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s official X handle on Tuesday, noting that Maikusa is the second in command of the terrorist cell led by Modi Modi in Katsina State.

Mr Nwachukwu revealed that the four were killed after terrorists engaged the troops in a gun duel on Monday during a counter-insurgency operation.

“Troops gunned down Maikusa and three other terrorists in a shootout on Monday, 4 March 2024, during a counter-insurgency operation in Kurfi and Safana local government areas of Katsina State. The ferocious operation also resulted in the successful clearance of terrorist enclaves in these areas.

“During the operation, troops encountered vehement resistance from the violent extremists but gallantly overpowered the terrorists with superior firepower, neutralising some while others fled in disarray,” said Mr Nwachukwu.

The army spokesperson also stated that the troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 65 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, a locally fabricated gun and a camouflage uniform during the operation.

“In continuation of the clearance operations, troops also destroyed terrorists’ camps in Wurma, Shaiskawa, Yauni, and Dogon Marke villages in Kurfi LGA, as well as Ummadau and Zakka villages in Safana LGA.

“The troops have continued to maintain an aggressive posture in the general area to clear remnants of the terrorist cell to ensure safety and security in the region,” he noted.