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

Troops of the Nigerian Army conducting operations in Katsina, Sokoto and Plateau states have killed suspected terrorists, thwarted an attempted advance by armed men and recovered several weapons and other logistics.

In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, neutralised a key terrorist lieutenant and recovered machine guns, rifles, ammunition and motorcycles during a clearance operation in Matazu Local Government Area.

The operation, conducted on August 29, followed the troops’ advance into identified terrorist enclaves in the area.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt Col Aliyu Danja, the troops encountered stiff resistance from armed terrorists. Still, they responded with superior firepower, forcing them to flee.

“During exploitation of the area, troops confirmed the neutralisation of a terrorist identified as Smally, a lieutenant of notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani,” Danja said.

The troops recovered three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines and 180 rounds of ammunition, as well as six motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists.

Danja said the operation was part of the ongoing offensive by Operation Fansan Yamma to sustain pressure on terrorist networks and dismantle their operational capabilities across the Joint Operations Area.

In neighbouring Sokoto State, troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, thwarted an attempted advance by armed terrorists towards Ghandi town in Rabah Local Government Area on Sunday.

The operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of an armed group towards the community.

The troops reportedly deployed to strategic positions around the Ghandi Bridge and engaged the terrorists upon making contact, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

The operation’s statement said several of the terrorists sustained gunshot wounds, while some reportedly attempted to escape by jumping into a nearby river.

A subsequent clearance and search operation at daybreak led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, a loaded magazine, additional rounds of ammunition and other personal effects abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.

The troops have continued search and mop-up operations in the area to locate the fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, in Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace neutralised a suspected terrorist during an intelligence-led operation in Zak village, Wase Local Government Area.

The operation took place at about 9:50 am on Saturday, August 29, according to the Joint Task Force spokesman, Capt Chinonso Oteh.

Oteh said the troops, during a stop-and-search operation, intercepted a green-coloured Golf vehicle with registration number DKA-808XM.

He said the troops discovered a concealed compartment inside the vehicle’s dashboard while attempting to search it.

According to him, the driver refused to open the compartment and fled into a nearby bush, prompting the troops to pursue and apprehend him.

“Upon being apprehended, the driver attempted to disarm one of the soldiers and was swiftly neutralised,” the statement said.

Items recovered from the vehicle included two AK-47 rifles, one magazine, two wooden rifle butts, nine magazine pouches, two camel bags, six jungle hats, a mobile phone and an ATM card.

The Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Maj Gen Maxwell Dangana, commended the troops for maintaining what he described as a decisive and aggressive posture against criminal elements.

He also urged residents to provide timely and actionable information to security agencies to support ongoing operations and protect lives and property.