Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Zamfara State and Katsina State, killing nine suspected militants, including two alleged kingpins.
The operations, carried out between May 1 and May 3, also led to the recovery of weapons, motorcycles, mobile phones, ammunition and cash.
In a statement on Sunday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the 8 Division, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said the operations were aimed at dismantling armed groups operating in the North-West region.
He said troops on patrol from Forward Operating Base Fudma engaged suspected terrorists along the Turare–Yantumaki Road in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing four attackers.
“In the ensuing firefight, troops neutralised four terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, ammunition, two motorcycles, seven mobile phones and the sum of ₦153,000,” Osoba said.
He added that in a separate operation in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops from Forward Operating Base Bagega killed five other militants, including two identified as high-profile kingpins.
Osoba identified the suspects as Anaruwa and Gomina, stating that Anaruwa was the younger brother of a known bandit leader in the area.
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According to him, the terrorists initially retreated during an encounter along the Bagega–Anka Road but later regrouped and launched an attack on the Forward Operating Base Bagega.
“The terrorists initially retreated and abandoned their motorcycles, but later regrouped and launched a counterattack on Forward Operating Base Bagega,” he said.
He further disclosed that troops killed additional militants during follow-up operations on May 3, bringing the total number of neutralised suspects to nine.
Osoba also confirmed that one soldier lost his life during the engagements.
The army said operations were ongoing in the area to prevent further attacks and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.