Troops kill terrorists, rescue 32 kidnap victims in Katsina
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
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Outcome reported
- Nigerian troops neutralized two terrorists and rescued 32 kidnap victims in Katsina State during an offensive operation.
- The operation also involved thwarting an attempt to sabotage infrastructure near the Republic of Niger and dismantling an illegal arms manufacturing factory in Plateau State.
- Recoveries included weapons, ammunition, and equipment used in illegal arms production, highlighting ongoing efforts against terrorism and illegal arms trafficking.
Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have reported significant successes in counter-terrorism and security operations across several states. In Katsina State, an offensive operation in Dikawa village, Matazu Local Government Area, resulted in the neutralization of two terrorists and the rescue of 32 kidnapped victims.
On 14 May 2026, two terrorists were neutralised in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State while attempting to sabotage Nigerian Immigration Service infrastructure near the Republic of Niger.
The rescued individuals comprised nine men, ten women, and thirteen children. They were liberated from a fortified terrorist enclave along with 26 livestock. This operation is highlighted as one of the most significant humanitarian outcomes during the reporting period.
Further operations included the neutralization of two terrorists in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State on May 14, 2026. These terrorists were attempting to sabotage infrastructure belonging to the Nigerian Immigration Service near the Republic of Niger. Additionally, on May 8, troops arrested a suspected terrorist in Kaduna State carrying incriminating photographs and weapons magazines.
On the same day, troops carried out an offensive operation at Dikawa village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, where two terrorists were neutralised and 32 kidnapped victims rescued.
In a strategic operation, troops dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing complex in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. A raid on two active production sites led to the arrest of five suspects actively producing illegal firearms. Recovered items included nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, a locally made pistol, seven AK-47 skeletons, and various industrial equipment used for manufacturing.
On the same day, a major offensive at Dikawa village in Matazu LGA of Katsina State neutralised two terrorists and produced one of the most significant humanitarian outcomes of the period, which is the rescue of 32 kidnapped victims comprising nine men, ten women, and thirteen children, alongside 26 livestock, from a fortified terrorist enclave.
Troops also intercepted illegal ammunition movement in the Federal Capital Territory, apprehending a suspect with 250 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition concealed in a vehicle's engine compartment along the Abaji-Kwali road. In Nasarawa State, an AK-47 rifle was recovered during a rescue operation in Doma Local Government Area.
On 3 May 2026, a suspect was apprehended along the Abaji-Kwali road in Abuja, found to have concealed 250 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition within a vehicle’s engine compartment.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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