A planned terrorists attack targeting motorists travelling along the Kakumi-Guga Road and residents of several communities in Bakori Local Government Area was disrupted after troops of the Nigerian Army, working in collaboration with other security agencies, launched an ambush that left eight suspected terrorists dead.
The military said the operation, which was based on credible intelligence, also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and five motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists during their movement to the planned attack location.
In a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Abayomi Adisa, the army said the operation underscored the importance of intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration in ongoing efforts to curb terrorist activities and protect residents in parts of Katsina State.
According to the statement, security agencies received intelligence indicating that terrorists allegedly loyal to a notorious kingpin, Idi Abasu Aiki, were mobilising to intercept motorists before extending their attacks to surrounding communities.
“The operation was conducted following credible intelligence that terrorists, allegedly loyal to a notorious kingpin, Idi Abasu Aiki, were planning to block the Kakumi to Guga Road and attack unsuspecting commuters,” Adisa said.
Acting on the intelligence, troops swiftly positioned themselves along the route and laid an ambush for the suspected terrorists, who later approached the area on five motorcycles.
The military said the ensuing engagement resulted in the neutralisation of eight suspected terrorists, effectively foiling the planned attack before it could be carried out.
Following the operation, troops conducted a thorough search of the area and recovered two AK-47 rifles together with the five motorcycles allegedly used by the suspects.
Adisa stated that the recovered weapons and motorcycles had been handed over to the Nigeria Police Division in Bakori for further investigation and necessary action.
The army further disclosed that intelligence reports suggested the terrorists had also been planning retaliatory attacks against residents of Kakumi, Guga, Unguwan Dan Shuni, Kwai and other neighbouring communities within Bakori Local Government Area.
To prevent any further attacks and reassure residents, the military said additional security measures had already been activated across the affected areas.
“Troops deployed at the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Ruwan Godiya and Mabai have intensified aggressive patrols and area domination operations along suspected routes leading to the affected communities, in order to deny the criminals freedom of action and protect law-abiding residents,” he said.
Adisa added that security forces were closely monitoring developments and remained on high alert to prevent further attacks in the area, assuring residents that sustained operations would continue to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and enhance security across the affected communities.
