Troops kill terrorists, recover weapons, livestock in Sokoto, Katsina

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigerian Army troops operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have neutralised suspected terrorists and recovered weapons and stolen livestock in separate operations across Sokoto and Katsina states, the Army said on Friday.

In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, said the actions were part of “a continuation of series of offensive operations against terrorists and bandits.”

Describing the Sokoto engagement, the statement said troops responded to a distress call after members of the Lakurawa Terrorist Group (LTG) attempted to set fire to a Nigerian Immigration Service facility at Ruwa Wiri Village in Tangaza local government area.

The troops “made contact with the terrorists, neutralising 2 terrorists in the ensuing firefight, while others fled due to overwhelming firepower,” the Army said.

A follow‑up search of the area recovered “2 AK‑47 rifles, several ammunition and a motorcycle.”

The Army also reported a separate operation in Jibia local government area of Katsina State, where troops on a fighting patrol encountered suspected terrorists moving with rustled animals at Danya Bakwai settlement.

The statement said the engagement forced the group to abandon 62 rustled livestock, which were “recovered and subsequently handed over to their rightful owners at the palace of the Daddara District Head in Jibia LGA.”

Lieutenant Colonel Osoba reiterated the operation’s aim, saying, “Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to eradicating terrorism and banditry in the region.”

He urged members of the public to “continue to provide credible information to security forces.”