Troops of the 17 Brigade under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III have neutralised two suspected bandits and recovered a cache of weapons and other items during a successful intelligence-led operation in Katsina State.
The operation was carried out on the night of June 21, 2026, at a suspected bandits’ enclave in Ginchawa community, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. According to military sources, the raid was conducted by troops of the 17 Brigade as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore security across the North-West region.
The troops reportedly acted on credible intelligence regarding the presence of armed bandits operating within the area.
Upon arrival at the location, security personnel engaged the suspects in a fierce confrontation.
Military sources said the troops deployed superior firepower against the criminals, leading to the neutralisation of two bandits during the operation.
Several other suspected bandits reportedly escaped from the scene with varying degrees of gunshot wounds after coming under heavy pressure from the advancing troops.
Following the successful engagement, troops conducted a search of the area and recovered several weapons and operational items believed to have been used by the criminal group.
Items recovered during the operation included two PKT machine guns and a locally fabricated Dane gun.
Security personnel also recovered an AK-47 rifle magazine and 75 rounds of 7.62mm linked NATO ammunition.
Additional items recovered from the enclave included three motorcycles, mobile phones and a Motorola communication radio.
The troops further recovered a camouflage uniform believed to have been used by members of the criminal group.
Some livestock suspected to have been rustled from local communities were also recovered during the operation.
Military authorities described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and operational bases within the state.
The successful raid is expected to disrupt the activities of armed groups operating in parts of Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
Security operations against banditry and other forms of violent crime have intensified across Katsina State in recent months.
The state has remained one of the areas most affected by bandit attacks, cattle rustling, kidnappings and other security challenges in the North-West region.
Authorities have continued to deploy troops and other security assets to identified hotspots in an effort to improve security and protect residents.
One of the key outcomes of the latest operation was the absence of casualties among military personnel involved in the raid.
Military sources confirmed that all troops who participated in the operation returned safely without injuries or fatalities.
The development has been viewed as a significant operational success given the risks often associated with assaults on heavily armed criminal enclaves.
Residents of affected communities have repeatedly called for sustained military pressure on criminal groups responsible for attacks and kidnappings across the region.
Security experts have also stressed the importance of intelligence-driven operations in weakening criminal networks and reducing their ability to regroup.
The recovery of weapons and communication equipment is expected to provide useful intelligence that could assist security agencies in tracking other members of the criminal network.
The operation highlights the continued efforts of Nigerian troops to confront banditry and other security threats through coordinated military action.
Military authorities have maintained that operations against criminal elements will continue until peace and stability are fully restored in affected communities.
The latest success by troops of the 17 Brigade reinforces ongoing efforts by security forces to protect lives, secure communities and deny criminal groups safe havens across Katsina State and the wider North-West region.
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