Dare Babalola
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have killed two suspected Lakurawa terrorists during a military operation in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, while also recovering arms and rescuing rustled livestock in separate operations conducted in Sokoto and Katsina states.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 8 Division and Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba.
According to the military, the operation was part of ongoing offensives targeted at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks operating across the North-West region.
Osoba explained that troops were mobilised after receiving intelligence about an attempted attack on a Nigerian Immigration Service facility located at Ruwa Wiri village in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State.
He said the soldiers engaged the suspected Lakurawa fighters in a fierce exchange of gunfire, resulting in the death of two terrorists, while several others fled the scene under intense military pressure.
“In Sokoto State, troops swiftly responded to a distress call concerning an attempt by suspected Lakurawa terrorists to burn down a Nigerian Immigration Service facility at Ruwa Wiri village in Tangaza Local Government Area,” the statement read.
“The troops engaged the attackers in a firefight, neutralising two of the terrorists, while others escaped due to the superior firepower of the troops.”
The army spokesperson added that troops subsequently carried out a sweep of the area and recovered two AK-47 rifles, ammunition and a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing terrorists.
In another operation in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, troops on routine fighting patrol intercepted suspected bandits moving with a herd of rustled livestock around Danya Bakwai settlement.
According to Osoba, the armed men abandoned the animals and fled after coming under military attack.
“Troops deployed in Jibia LGA of Katsina State encountered terrorists moving with rustled livestock during a fighting patrol at Danya Bakwai settlement,” he said.
“The troops engaged the criminals and successfully recovered 62 rustled animals abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.”
The recovered livestock were later returned to their owners during a handover ceremony held at the palace of the Daddara District Head in Jibia.
Osoba reaffirmed the determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustain pressure on terrorist and bandit groups threatening peace in the North-West.
“Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains resolute in its commitment to eliminating terrorism and banditry across the region,” he stated.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could aid ongoing military operations.
Military operations have intensified across Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi states in recent months as security forces continue efforts to curb attacks on communities, cattle rustling and assaults on security formations linked to bandits and the Lakurawa group.
