Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have repelled a terrorist attack in Sokoto State, rescued abducted victims and neutralised two suspected terrorists in Katsina State.
The operations, according to the military, were carried out on June 21 and 22 as part of ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism and banditry in the North-West.
In a statement on Monday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said troops acted on credible intelligence and foiled an attempt by armed terrorists to infiltrate Tureta town in Sokoto State.
“The vigilant troops engaged the criminals, forcing them to abandon their sinister mission and flee,” Danja said.
He added that aerial surveillance later tracked the fleeing terrorists to Sulubawa Gidan Kare village, where they were seen moving with abducted civilians and rustled livestock.
Danja said troops immediately launched a pursuit and encountered an ambush mounted by the retreating terrorists.
“Acting promptly, the troops launched a hot pursuit. Despite encountering a hastily mounted ambush by the retreating terrorists, the troops displayed exceptional courage and superior firepower, fighting through the ambush and compelling the criminals to scatter,” he stated.
He said the operation led to the rescue of the abductees, recovery of rustled cattle and seizure of two motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists.
In a separate operation 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.
“The surprise assault completely overwhelmed the terrorists. During the ensuing firefight, two terrorists were neutralised, while several others fled the scene with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” the statement added.
The military said troops recovered a PKT assault rifle, an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, three motorcycles, communication devices, rustled livestock and other items.
Danja said the successes showed the resolve of troops to sustain pressure on terrorist groups in the region.
“These recent victories underscore the unwavering determination, professionalism and resilience of the troops of JTF NW Operation FANSAN YAMMA in taking the fight directly to the enclaves of terrorist and criminal elements.
“We assure the public that aggressive operations will be sustained to dismantle all terrorist networks, deny them freedom of action and restore lasting peace and security across the North-West region,” he said.
