(Nigerian Army. Photo by Daily Post)
Security forces have k!lled several suspected t3rrorists and seized firearms and ammunition during a joint clearance operation in Gumki Forest in Kangiwa, Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Monday morning.
The operation was carried out by the Kebbi State Police Command and troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Fansan Yamma at about 6:05am.
During the exercise, security personnel advanced through identified hideouts in the forest and encountered t3rrorist elements.
Troops engaged them with heavy gunfire, killing several while others escaped deeper into the forest.
Follow-up searches of the area turned up a machine gun with 174 rounds of ammunition, an AK-47 rifle with 14 rounds, four motorcycles, two mobile phones, 87,000 naira in cash, military camouflage uniforms, a pair of boots, charms and various combat and miscellaneous items.
Gumki Forest, which sits near the Nigeria-Niger border, is a known pathway for b@ndits and Lakurawa elements in the region.
Police say the area has remained relatively peaceful as joint operations continue to clear the forest and surrounding routes of criminal elements.
The Police Commissioner commended the officers involved for their bravery and commitment, saying the command would keep up coordinated and intelligence-driven operations with other security agencies to fight b@nditry, t3rrorism and other crimes across the state.
He also urged residents to share reliable information with security agencies to help support these ongoing efforts.
