By Our Correspondent

National News – Troops of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have killed three suspected terrorists during a coordinated ambush operation in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation was carried out on Friday night along the Turare-Kitibawa-Kuka-Mai Damusa Road by soldiers deployed at the Forward Operating Base in FUDMA.

The military said the action was part of ongoing offensives aimed at restoring security across communities affected by terrorist attacks and banditry in the North-West region.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Abayomi Adisa, the troops had positioned themselves strategically after receiving intelligence about the movement of fleeing terrorists from the Matazu general area.

At about 9:40 pm, the armed suspects reportedly entered the ambush zone, leading to a gun battle with the troops.

The Nigerian Army confirmed that three terrorists were neutralised during the operation, while several dangerous items were recovered from the scene.

Security operatives 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.

Military authorities explained that the successful operation highlighted the army’s intensified counter-terrorism campaign in Katsina State.

The troops have continued clearance and surveillance operations to prevent criminal groups from regrouping or launching attacks on nearby communities.

The Army also appealed to residents of Katsina and neighbouring communities to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.

Officials stressed that public cooperation remains vital in identifying suspicious movements and improving security operations across the state.

The latest military success comes amid renewed efforts by Nigerian security forces to curb terrorism, banditry and violent crimes affecting several northern states.