Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have successfully foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Zamfara State and Katsina State, killing nine suspected militants, including two alleged gang leaders.
The operations, which took place between May 1 and May 3, also resulted in the recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, mobile phones, and cash.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to clear terrorist elements in the North-West.
According to him, troops on patrol from Forward Operating Base Fudma engaged armed suspects along the Turare–Yantumaki Road in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing four of them.
“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 further explained that another operation in the Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State led to the killing of five more militants, including two identified kingpins.
Osoba named the suspects as Anaruwa and Gomina, noting that Anaruwa was the younger brother of a notorious bandit leader operating in the area.
He said the attackers initially fled during an encounter along the Bagega–Anka Road but later regrouped and launched an assault on 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 stated.
The army further revealed that additional militants were killed during follow-up operations on May 3, bringing the total number of neutralised suspects to nine.
Osoba also confirmed that one soldier died during the encounters.
He added that troops would maintain sustained operations in the region to prevent further attacks and urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
