Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have killed at least two terrorists, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered weapons, motorcycles and rustled livestock during separate operations in Sokoto and Katsina states.
The successful operations, carried out between June 21 and 22, are part of ongoing military offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across Nigeria’s North-West.
According to the Joint Task Force (North West), the first operation took place on Saturday when terrorists attempted to infiltrate Tureta town in Sokoto State.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops swiftly engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon the mission and flee.
Military authorities said aerial surveillance later tracked the fleeing terrorists to Sulubawa Gidan Kare village, where they were seen moving with abducted civilians and rustled livestock.
Troops immediately launched a pursuit but came under a hastily organised ambush by the retreating terrorists.
Despite the resistance, the troops overpowered the terrorists after a fierce gun battle, leading to the rescue of the abductees, the recovery of the stolen cattle and the seizure of two motorcycles used by the criminals.
In a separate operation conducted in the early hours of Monday, troops carried out an intelligence-led raid on a suspected terrorist hideout in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The military said the surprise assault caught the terrorists off guard, resulting in the death of two suspected terrorists, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Following the operation, troops recovered one PKT assault rifle, one AK-47 rifle, ammunition, three motorcycles, mobile communication devices, rustled livestock and other items believed to have been used to support the group’s criminal activities.
The military described the operations as another major setback for terrorist groups operating in the North-West, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining aggressive offensives against criminal elements in the region.
“The recent victories underscore the determination, professionalism and resilience of the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in taking the fight directly to terrorist enclaves,” the Joint Task Force said in a statement issued on Monday.
It added that operations would continue until terrorist networks are dismantled and lasting peace is restored across the North-West.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA is a joint military operation established to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across Nigeria’s North-West, where armed groups have continued to attack communities, rustle livestock and abduct residents for ransom despite intensified security operations.
