By ABBAS BAMALLI

Troops of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have neutralised three suspected bandits during a successful ambush operation in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, Capt. Abayomi Adisa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday 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.

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 aimed at restoring security across Katsina and its neighbouring communities.

The army spokesperson also urged residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence to assist ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminals. (NAN)