Hussaini Kafi in Kano
The Katsina State Government has commended the Nigerian Army for a successful military operation that led to the neutralization of 21 terrorists and the recovery of weapons and rustled cattle in Shawu Forest, Ruwan Godiya, Faskari Local Government Area.
The daring offensive was part of the ongoing Operation Forest Sanity III (OPFS III) by the 17 Brigade Strike Group of the Nigerian Army.
According to a statement on Saturday signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Muazu, the raid occurred at about 8:50 a.m. on May 23, 2025.
The army’s swift assault forced the terrorists to flee their camps into dense forest and rocky terrain, using stolen livestock as a shield.
The troops gave chase, engaging them in a fierce battle that extended to the riverside. Several terrorists drowned while attempting to escape.
The operation recorded zero casualties on the side of the military. The troops recovered 40 motorcycles, an unspecified number of rustled cattle, and a large cache of arms and ammunition.
Among the seized items were one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), five AK-47 rifles, one pump-action rifle, 21 AK-47 magazines, 17 Motorola Communication radios, and 448 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Also recovered were hand grenades, RPGs, charms, mobile phones, and a sum of ₦15,260.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, in a statement from the State House, praised the professionalism and bravery of the troops.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the military and urged them to sustain the momentum until peace is fully restored across the region.
“All recovered items remain in the military’s custody for further action,” the statement concluded, assuring residents that operations are ongoing with high troop morale.
