\n\nTroops of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded significant operational successes in Sokoto and Katsina states, where they repelled a terrorist attack, rescued abducted civilians, neutralised suspected terrorists, and recovered weapons and other items linked to criminal activities.
The operations, carried out between June 21 and 22, form part of ongoing military efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across Nigeria’s North-West region.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops acting on credible intelligence successfully thwarted an attempt by armed terrorists to infiltrate Tureta town in Sokoto State.
The military spokesman said vigilant troops quickly engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee from the area. Following the encounter, aerial surveillance assets tracked the movement of the fleeing terrorists to Sulubawa Gidan Kare village, where they were reportedly seen moving with abducted civilians and rustled livestock.
Danja explained that troops immediately launched a pursuit operation to intercept the criminals. During the chase, the terrorists allegedly mounted an ambush in a bid to slow the advancing soldiers. However, the troops reportedly overcame the resistance through superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres, compelling the terrorists to scatter into surrounding areas.
The operation resulted in the successful rescue of the abducted victims, recovery of rustled cattle and seizure of two motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists during their operations.
In a separate operation conducted in the early hours of June 22, troops carried out an intelligence-led raid on a suspected terrorist hideout in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The military said the surprise assault caught the terrorists off guard, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. During the operation, two suspected terrorists were neutralised, while several others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
Security forces also recovered a PKT assault rifle, an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, three motorcycles, communication equipment and rustled livestock. The recovered items are believed to have been used by the criminal group in carrying out attacks and other illegal activities within the region.
Lieutenant Colonel Danja said the latest operational achievements underscore the determination and resilience of troops involved in the counter-terrorism campaign across the North-West.
He noted that the military remains committed to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves, disrupting criminal networks and denying armed groups the freedom to operate within the region.
“The recent victories demonstrate the professionalism, courage and unwavering commitment of troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in taking the fight directly to terrorist and criminal elements. Operations will continue until lasting peace and security are restored across the North-West,” he said.
The latest successes come amid intensified military offensives targeting terrorist and bandit hideouts in several states across northern Nigeria, as security agencies continue efforts to rescue kidnapped victims, recover stolen property and improve security in affected communities.
