In a decisive operation aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds in Nigeria’s North West, troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) under Operation Fasin Yaki neutralized 21 terrorists during a coordinated assault on criminal hideouts in Ruwan Godiya, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to military sources, the operation was launched in the early hours of Thursday, May 23, following actionable intelligence on the presence of terrorist elements in the area. The troops moved swiftly, engaging the insurgents in a heavy exchange of fire. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the Nigerian forces, the terrorists were forced to abandon their base and flee.
Several of the fleeing terrorists met their end during the pursuit, with some reportedly drowning while attempting to escape through a nearby river.
In addition to the neutralization of 21 insurgents, the operation yielded significant security gains. Troops recovered a large cache of weapons and military hardware, including assault rifles, magazines, explosives, communication gadgets, mobile phones, and several motorcycles used by the terrorists for mobility and operations.
A senior military officer involved in the operation stated that the offensive was part of ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities and restore peace to troubled communities across Katsina and the wider North West region.
“The success of this mission underscores our commitment to eliminating all threats to national security. Our troops will continue to hunt down criminal elements wherever they hide,” the officer said.
Residents of Ruwan Godiya and surrounding areas have expressed relief following the clearance operation, praising the troops for their bravery and effectiveness in pushing back against the insurgents.
Security analysts have commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for the continued momentum against insurgency in the region, calling for sustained intelligence-sharing, community engagement, and support from local stakeholders to consolidate recent gains.
Operation Fasin Yaki remains a key component of the government’s broader strategy to counter terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality across the country.
