In a decisive blow against banditry in Nigeria’s northwest, the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade Strike Group conducted a highly successful clearance operation on May 23, 2025, in the dense Shawu Forest, located in the Ruwan Godiya Ward of Faskari Local Government Area, Katsina State. The operation, part of the ongoing Operation Forest Sanity III, resulted in the neutralisation of 21 bandits, marking a significant victory in the fight against insecurity in the region. This meticulously planned mission not only disrupted a notorious bandit enclave but also showcased the Nigerian Army’s resolve to restore peace and security to communities long plagued by violent crime.
A Fierce Battle in the Heart of Shawu Forest
The operation unfolded in the early hours of May 23, when troops of the 17 Brigade, known for their rigorous training and tactical prowess, stormed the bandits’ hideout in Shawu Forest. Intelligence reports had pinpointed the area as a major operational base for bandits responsible for a string of kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks on local communities. The forest’s dense vegetation and rugged terrain provided natural cover for the criminals, making it a challenging but critical target for the military.
As the troops advanced, they encountered fierce resistance from the heavily armed bandits. A prolonged gun battle ensued, with the soldiers leveraging superior firepower and tactical coordination to overpower their adversaries. The bandits, caught off guard by the intensity of the assault, attempted to flee deeper into the forest. However, the troops maintained relentless pressure, cutting off escape routes and forcing the criminals into a desperate retreat. In a dramatic turn of events, several bandits drowned in a nearby river while attempting to evade capture, highlighting the chaos and disarray within their ranks.
A Haul of Arms and Assets
The operation yielded a significant cache of weapons and resources, underscoring the scale of the bandits’ operations in the region. Among the items recovered were:
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One General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG): A powerful weapon capable of sustained fire, often used by bandits to intimidate and overpower their targets.
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Five AK-47 Rifles: The weapon of choice for many insurgent groups due to its reliability and widespread availability.
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One Pump-Action Rifle: A versatile firearm often used in close-quarters combat.
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21 AK-47 Magazines: Indicating the bandits’ capacity for prolonged engagements.
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448 Rounds of 7.62mm Special Ammunition: A substantial stockpile, suggesting plans for further attacks.
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64 Rounds of 7.62mm NATO Belted Ammunition: Typically used in machine guns, enhancing the bandits’ firepower.
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RPG-7 Bombs and Hand Grenades: Highly destructive weapons that pose a severe threat to both military and civilian targets.
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40 Motorcycles: A critical asset for bandits, enabling rapid movement across rugged terrain for raids and escapes.
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Rustled Cattle: An unspecified number of cattle, a common target of banditry in the region, often used to fund criminal activities or sustain their operations.
The recovery of these items not only weakens the bandits’ operational capacity but also provides valuable intelligence for future operations. The motorcycles, in particular, highlight the mobility that has allowed bandits to strike remote villages and evade capture, while the cattle underscore the economic toll of banditry on local communities.
No Losses for the Nigerian Army
Remarkably, the operation was executed without any casualties on the military’s side, a testament to the troops’ training, discipline, and strategic planning. The 17 Brigade’s ability to neutralise such a large number of bandits while emerging unscathed speaks volumes about their operational effectiveness. This success is likely to boost morale among the troops and reinforce public confidence in the Nigerian Army’s efforts to combat insecurity.
Governor Radda’s Commendation and the Path Forward
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, was quick to praise the troops for their bravery and professionalism. In a statement following the operation, he described the mission as a “significant milestone” in the fight against banditry and pledged continued support for security operations in the state. “The courage and dedication of our troops are commendable,” Radda said. “We will continue to provide the necessary resources and support to ensure that peace is restored to every corner of Katsina State.”
The governor’s remarks reflect a growing partnership between state and federal authorities to address insecurity. Katsina has implemented several initiatives, including community policing programs and amnesty offers for repentant bandits, though the latter has seen limited success. The Shawu Forest operation underscores the importance of sustained military pressure in complementing these efforts.
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