Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
According to reports, troops of the 17 Brigade deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) FUDMA have successfully ambushed a group of fleeing terrorists along the Turare–Kitibawa–Kuka–Mai Damusa Road in Dutsin‑Ma Local Government Area. The operation, which took place at about 2140 hours on Saturday, May 9, 2026, followed sustained military pressure on criminal elements operating around the Matazu general area, where terrorists have been conducting raids, kidnappings, and imposing illegal levies on farming communities.
According to security sources familiar with the operation, the terrorists were attempting to escape ongoing offensives in the region when they ran into a well‑coordinated ambush laid by the troops. The soldiers, who had been tracking the movement of the armed group after earlier engagements, positioned themselves along a known escape route used by the criminals to flee into neighbouring forests. When the terrorists entered the kill zone, troops opened fire, neutralising three of them instantly. The remaining members of the group reportedly fled into the surrounding bush, possibly with gunshot wounds, as the troops maintained their tactical positions.
During the encounter, troops recovered one AK‑47 rifle, a magazine containing three rounds of ammunition, one motorcycle, three cutlasses, assorted charms, and the sum of ₦3,500. The seizure of the motorcycle is particularly significant because bandits in the North‑West rely heavily on motorcycles for mobility and rapid escape. The removal of even a single bike from their inventory disrupts their ability to stage hit‑and‑run attacks. The recovered AK‑47 rifle and ammunition will also be subjected to forensic analysis to determine its origin and possible links to other criminal networks.
Security authorities have described the successful operation as a reflection of the growing momentum of ongoing military offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace across affected communities in Katsina State. The 17 Brigade has been at the forefront of operations in the state, conducting clearance patrols, ambushes, and intelligence‑led raids. The latest success has further drawn commendation for the troops, whose operational drive continues to yield positive results in the fight against terrorism and insecurity within the brigade’s area of responsibility.
The operation around Dutsin‑Ma is part of a larger, sustained campaign by the military under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a joint task force covering the North‑West and North‑Central zones. In recent weeks, troops have recorded multiple successes, including the neutralisation of terrorists, recovery of arms and ammunition, and rescue of kidnapped victims. The pressure on criminal elements has forced them to abandon some of their hideouts and flee deeper into forests, but as the ambush demonstrates, the military is determined to pursue them relentlessly.
Residents of communities along the Turare–Kitibawa–Kuka–Mai Damusa Road have expressed relief at the latest success. Many have suffered repeated attacks, kidnappings, and extortion by bandits who have turned the area into a hotspot of criminal activity. A community leader who spoke on condition of anonymity told Stone Reporters News that the troops’ presence and recent operations have boosted morale. “We can now sleep a little easier, but we know the terrorists are still out there. We pray the soldiers keep up the pressure,” he said.
Security authorities have also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations against criminal elements. Information about suspicious movements, hideouts, or planned attacks can be relayed to the nearest military or police formation. The military has assured that informants will be protected and that actionable intelligence will be swiftly acted upon.
The successful ambush foiled a potential attack that the fleeing terrorists may have been planning to execute in another location. Intelligence sources suggest that the group had been involved in recent abductions and highway robberies along the Dutsin‑Ma–Matazu axis. Their neutralisation has temporarily disrupted their network, though security forces remain on high alert for possible reprisals. The troops have since reinforced their positions along the ambush corridor and are conducting follow‑up patrols to track down any surviving members.
As the sun rose over Katsina State on Sunday, May 10, the three bodies of the neutralised terrorists were taken to a military mortuary for identification and burial. The recovered weapons and items were logged as exhibits for further investigation. The 17 Brigade has not released the identities of the troops involved in the operation, but have praised their courage, discipline, and tactical proficiency. The military remains committed to restoring lasting peace in the North‑West, one ambush at a time.
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