Paragraph 1: The Assault on Shawu Forest
On Friday, the Nigerian Army launched a decisive offensive against a terrorist stronghold nestled within the Shawu Forest, located in Ruwan Godiya Ward, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State. This operation, designated as part of the active kinetic phase of Operation Forest Sanity III, was executed by troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group. The primary objective was to neutralize terrorist elements and dismantle their operational capabilities, thereby contributing to the larger goal of restoring peace and security to the region. The attack commenced at approximately 08:50 am, with troops engaging the terrorists in a fierce firefight.
Paragraph 2: The Terrorists’ Flight and Pursuit
The intensity of the army’s assault forced the terrorists to abandon their encampment and seek refuge in the dense foliage and rugged terrain of the forest. In a desperate attempt to evade capture, they employed a cunning tactic, using their livestock as a living shield against the advancing troops. However, the soldiers, undeterred by the terrorists’ desperate maneuvers, pursued them relentlessly. The pursuit extended even to those terrorists who attempted to escape by traversing a nearby river, demonstrating the troops’ unwavering commitment to neutralizing the threat.
Paragraph 3: Casualties and Recoveries
The operation resulted in a significant victory for the Nigerian Army. Twenty-one terrorists were neutralized, including those who perished while attempting to cross the river. Remarkably, no casualties were reported among the military personnel involved in the operation. The troops seized a substantial cache of weaponry and equipment, including approximately forty motorcycles and a yet-to-be-determined number of rustled cattle. These recoveries represent a significant blow to the terrorists’ logistical and operational capabilities.
Paragraph 4: Detailed Inventory of Recovered Items
The mop-up operations conducted following the initial assault yielded a further trove of recovered items. The inventory includes one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), five AK-47 rifles, a pump-action rifle, twenty-one AK-47 magazines, and seventeen Motorola communication radios. A substantial quantity of ammunition was also secured, encompassing 74 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition, 448 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four pump-action cartridges, two RPG-7 chargers, and one RPG-7 bomb. The recovered items also included five CS 48mm hand grenades, a Baofeng handheld radio (HHR), six mobile phones with three extra batteries, a camouflage jungle hat, and three magazine pouches.
Paragraph 5: Miscellaneous Recoveries and Ongoing Operations
In addition to the aforementioned items, troops recovered a motorcycle manual pump, an empty wallet, three jungle bags containing various charms, and a sum of ₦15,260. All recovered items are currently under military custody for further investigation and processing. As of the latest report, operations are still ongoing in the area, with the morale among the deployed troops remaining consistently high. This sustained momentum underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to eradicating the terrorist threat.
Paragraph 6: Government Commendation and Continued Support
The Katsina State Government expressed profound commendation for the 17 Brigade Strike Group, recognizing the soldiers’ professionalism, bravery, and steadfast dedication. Governor Dikko Umar Radda, speaking from the State House, lauded the troops’ successful operation and reiterated his administration’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Armed Forces in their ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and stability to the affected communities. He urged the troops to maintain their high morale and relentlessly pursue all criminal elements, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting the military’s mission. The success of this operation serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between the government and the armed forces in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of the region.
