Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade captured three suspected bandits during an ambush in Dutsin‑Ma Local Government Area, Katsina State, on Friday night. The operation, carried out by forces stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) FUDMA, targeted criminals who were fleeing a series of military offensives in the Matazu area.
According to Capt. Abayomi Adisa, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 17 Bridge, soldiers established blocking positions along the Turare‑Kitibawa‑Kuka‑Mai Damusa Road. At approximately 9:40 p.m., the suspects encountered the ambush and were neutralised. The engagement resulted in the recovery of an AK‑47 rifle, a magazine with three rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, three cutlasses, assorted charms and cash totaling N3,500.
The ambush is part of a broader campaign by the Nigerian Army to dismantle bandit networks and other criminal elements operating in Katsina State and its neighbouring regions. The 17 Brigade has intensified patrols and offensive actions aimed at restoring security and curbing the wave of violence that has afflicted the northwestern zone in recent months.
Capt. Adisa urged local residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence. “Community support is essential to our efforts to rid the state of criminal activities,” he said in a statement released on Sunday.
The successful operation underscores the army’s ongoing commitment to stabilising the region and protecting civilian populations from banditry and related threats. Further operations are expected as security forces continue to target identified hideouts and disrupt the logistical networks of armed groups in the area.
