Troops of the 17 Brigade in Katsina have neutralised four suspected terrorists during combat along the Turare– Yantumaki Road in the state.

This is contained in a statement in Katsina on Saturday by Dr Nasir Mu’azu, Commissioner for International Security and Home Affairs.

He said the operation happened on Friday when the troops came under attack before swiftly repelling the assault.

According to him, the success is a strategic setback for the network of a feared kingpin, Muhammadu Fulani, whose operations have terrorised parts of Matazu, Musawa, Charanchi, and Kankia.

Mu’azu listed items recovered from the scene to include an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, two motorcycles, multiple mobile phones, and cash amounting to N153,400.

“Some of the seized phones contained images of the suspects clad in military gear, now handed over for forensic analysis.

“Preliminary intelligence identified the neutralised suspects as Bishir Holami, Jamilu Baki, Ibrahim Doro, and Abdurraman Maje.

“Figures linked to a string of deadly attacks across Gobirawa, Raddawa, Kuki, and surrounding communities in Dutsinma and Matazu local government areas,” he said.