Troops eliminate 3 suspected bandits, recover riffles in North West

From Bashir Rabe Mani,  Sokoto

Troops of Sect 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have commenced all out operations within the week against terrorists enclaves across Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi States aimed and protecting communities and neutralizing terrorists.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations

According to him, n Sokoto State,  on 25 March 2026,troops of COAS Intervention Battalion  VII made 2 separate contacts with terrorists at Magonho Forest  where they eliminated 3 bandits and recovered 3 AK 47 rifles  and motorcycles.

Also in Zamfara State, on 25 March 2026, troops executed a successful ambush along the Gada Maya – Makakari Village road, neutralizing 2 terrorists and forcing others to retreat in disarray.

Osoba said that the operation led to the recovery of  one AK-47 rifle, 3 magazines, 55 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one Baofeng radio, 2 mobile phones, and one motorcycle.

He added, “Later the same day, terrorists attempted to retaliate by attacking Kaida Village, falsely accusing the villagers of collaborating with security forces.

“The troops responded swiftly, neutralizing an additional terrorist and recovering another AK-47 rifle.£

In another development, troops acting on credible intelligence conducted a clearance operation in Dutsi Village, Moriki District, Zurmi Local Government Area. The operation forced terrorists to abandon one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 26 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition as they fled under sustained military pressure.

In Kebbi State,troops received information  on Lakurawa Terrorist Group (LTG) presence  in Giron Masa community, Shanga Local Government Area while responding, they were ambushed 500 metres before the village.

According to Osoba, despite the ambush by the fleeing terrorists, the troops remained  undeterred as reinforcements and combat enablers have been deployed to the general area and intelligence-led operations to track and neutralize the fleeing terrorists are ongoing.

He added, “8 Division/Sector 2 OPFY remains resolute in its mission to dominate the operational space, degrade terrorist capabilities and protect law-abiding citizens.

” The morale of the troops is high, and their actions reflect the core values of courage, professionalism, and service to the nation.

£The Division will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all communities in the North West, in line with the strategic directives of the Chief of Army Staff.