Troops deployed under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force (JTF) for Operation Hadarin Daji have executed a series of successful operations across Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, and Zamfara states, leading to the rescue of abducted civilians, the elimination of four suspected terrorists, and the recovery of crucial operational assets. However, the military confirmed that the counter-terrorism efforts were not without sacrifice, with three soldiers losing their lives during one of the intense engagements in Zamfara State.
The coordinated operations, which spanned from June 18 to June 22, form a significant part of the continuous offensive aimed at dismantling the networks of terrorists and bandits plaguing the North-West geopolitical zone of the country. These efforts underscore the military’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security to the affected regions.
In a detailed account of the engagements, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadarin Daji, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, outlined the sequence of events. The troops’ vigilance was first put to the test when they successfully thwarted an attempt by heavily armed terrorists to infiltrate the strategic town of Tureta in Sokoto State. The swift and decisive response by the vigilant troops forced the criminals to abandon their malicious intentions and retreat.
Following their initial setback, the fleeing terrorists were tracked by aerial surveillance assets to Sulubawa Gidan Kare village. Intelligence reports indicated that the fleeing militants were moving with abducted civilians and a significant number of rustled livestock, raising the urgency of the pursuit.
The troops immediately initiated a relentless pursuit, demonstrating remarkable bravery and tactical acumen. Their advance, however, was met with a hastily laid ambush by the retreating terrorists. Undeterred by the unexpected confrontation, the Nigerian soldiers displayed exceptional courage and superior firepower, meticulously fighting their way through the well-prepared ambush. This overwhelming display of combat prowess compelled the criminals to scatter, abandoning their positions and their hostages.
Lt Col Danja further elaborated on the subsequent operations, highlighting a significant success in Zamfara State. In a decisive engagement in the vicinity of Katuru village, troops engaged a group of terrorists. During this fierce confrontation, the terrorists unleashed a volley of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMGs) fire. The soldiers, despite the intense onslaught, retaliated with superior firepower, neutralising four of the terrorists and recovering a cache of their weaponry. The recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, one FN rifle, and two GPMGs. Additionally, the troops also recovered 24 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and nine empty magazines, crucial pieces of intelligence and operational equipment that would have been used in further nefarious activities.
It was during this particular operation in Zamfara State, specifically during the exchange of fire in the Katuru village area, that the military sustained the tragic loss of three valiant soldiers. Their sacrifice in the line of duty will be remembered as a testament to their bravery and dedication to protecting the nation.
In a separate but related operation in Katsina State, troops conducted a cordon and search operation in the Jeka da Fada and Kadawa areas. This meticulous operation led to the rescue of four kidnapped victims. The rescued individuals, who had been held captive by bandits, were safely reunited with their families following the successful intervention by the military. The troops also recovered 11 rustled cows during this operation, an indication of the bandits’ extensive criminal enterprise.
Furthermore, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a Toyota Hilux vehicle laden with a large quantity of petrol and 10 empty gallons. The vehicle was apprehended in the Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State. The petrol is suspected to be destined for logistical support for terrorists operating in the region, a stark reminder of the complex support networks that sustain these criminal elements.
In another development within Katsina State, troops conducted a patrol along the Faskari-Yar-Adai road. During this patrol, they encountered and successfully neutralised two bandits who were in possession of one AK-47 rifle and 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. The timely intervention prevented these bandits from carrying out their intended criminal activities.
The sustained efforts of Operation Hadarin Daji have significantly disrupted terrorist and bandit activities across the North-West. The recovery of weapons, ammunition, stolen livestock, and the rescue of abducted civilians are clear indicators of the positive impact of these operations. The military remains committed to its mandate of ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, and the ongoing offensives will continue with renewed vigour.
The military authorities have reiterated their resolve to continue prosecuting these operations until the North-West region is rid of all forms of criminality. They have also urged members of the public to continue providing actionable intelligence to the security forces, emphasizing that such cooperation is vital in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.
The success of these operations is a testament to the professionalism, dedication, and bravery of the Nigerian troops who are operating under challenging circumstances. The sacrifices made by these soldiers, including the three who lost their lives, will not be in vain as the nation strives for lasting peace. The operations are a clear indication that the military is fully committed to flushing out criminal elements and restoring normalcy to the affected areas. The ongoing offensive is characterized by a multi-pronged approach, involving ground troops, intelligence gathering, and aerial surveillance, all working in synergy to achieve maximum impact. The recovered items and neutralised individuals represent a significant blow to the operational capabilities of the terrorist and bandit groups, hindering their ability to launch further attacks and perpetrate heinous crimes. The military’s determination to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria and ensure the safety of its citizens remains paramount, as these continuous operations demonstrate.
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