Troops neutralise terrorists, recover arms in Sokoto, Katsina operations

Troops

Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, have recorded fresh operational successes in the ongoing campaign against terrorism and banditry in the North-West, neutralising suspected terrorists, foiling an attack, rescuing abductees, and recovering arms, motorcycles, and rustled livestock during separate operations in Sokoto and Katsina states.

The operations were disclosed in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, and made available to journalists in Gusau.

According to the statement, the first operation took place on June 21, 2026, when suspected terrorists attempted to infiltrate Tureta town in Sokoto State.

Acting on intelligence, troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon the operation and flee.

Danja said aerial surveillance later tracked the fleeing suspects to Sulubawa Gidan Kare village, where they were allegedly moving with abducted civilians and rustled livestock.

He said troops immediately launched a pursuit operation. Despite encountering an ambush mounted by the fleeing suspects, the troops overpowered them in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat.

The operation, according to the statement, led to the rescue of the abductees, the recovery of rustled cattle, and the seizure of two motorcycles allegedly used by the suspects.

In a separate operation conducted in the early hours of June 22, troops carried out an intelligence-led raid on a suspected terrorist enclave in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Danja said the raid caught the occupants by surprise, resulting in the killing of two suspected terrorists, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

He added that troops recovered one PKT assault rifle, one AK-47 rifle with ammunition, three motorcycles, mobile communication devices, rustled livestock, and other items allegedly used to support the group’s activities.

The military spokesman said the operations demonstrate the continued efforts of Operation Fansan Yamma to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks operating across the North-West.

He assured residents that the military would sustain its offensive operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action and restore lasting peace and security in the region.

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