The Nigerian Army, on Sunday, said troops of the 17 Brigade eliminated three suspected bandits during an ambush operation in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Captain Abayomi Adisa, the acting assistant director, Army public relations, 17 Brigade, disclosed this in a statement in Katsina.

According to him, the operation, conducted by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) FUDMA, targeted terrorists fleeing sustained military offensives in the Matazu general area.

He said that the troops had taken strategic blocking positions along the Turare-Kitibawa-Kuka-Mai Damusa Road when the fleeing criminals ran into the ambush at about 9:40 p.m. on Friday.

“During the encounter, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with three rounds of ammunition, one motorcycle, three cutlasses, assorted charms and a cash sum of N3,500.

Mr Adisa further explained that the operation formed part of ongoing offensives against terrorists and other criminal elements terrorising the state.

He said troops had continued to intensify operations to restore security across Katsina and its neighbouring communities.

The army spokesperson also urged residents to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence to aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminals. 

(NAN)