Army Kill 11, Foil Terrorists’ Plots in Zamfara, Katsina

Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma of the Nigerian Army, have foiled terrorists’ plot to cause havoc, neutralising 11 suspected criminals, including two key kingpins, during coordinated operations in Zamfara and Katsina States, and recovered a cache of weapons and other items during the missions.

In a late Sunday statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 8 Division, the intelligence-led attacks were carried out in a series of operations conducted between 1st and 3rd of May, leading to the successful neutralisation of terrorists, the recovery of 4 AK-47 rifles, and 16 motorcycles across the states.

The statement disclosed that the troops of Forward Operating Base Fudma, while on a fighting patrol, encountered terrorists along Turare–Yantumaki Road in Dutsima LGA of Katsina State.

The statement reads, “In the ensuing firefight, the troops neutralised 4 terrorists and recovered 2 AK-47 rifles with 2 magazines and some quantities of ammunition as well as 2 motorcycles, 7 mobile phones and the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand Naira ( ₦153, 000).”

In a separate Operation in Zamfara State between the 2nd and 3rd of May, the troops at Forward Operating Base Bagega executed a high-stakes operation in Anka Local Government Area resulting in the neutralisation of seven terrorists, including 2 notorious kingpins identified as Anaruwa and Gomina.

The statement revealed that Anaruwa was the younger brother of Kachalla Idi Aiki, a known terrorist commander.

“During the first Operation on 2 May 2026, troops of Bagega Forward Operating Base engaged terrorists along the Bagega–Anka Road in a firefight. The initial clash forced 4 armed terrorists on 2 motorcycles to retreat, abandoning their motorbikes. However, the terrorists regrouped and launched a counterattack on Forward Operating Base Bagega,” the statement added.

The statement further disclosed that following reinforcement by various combat teams and support by the precision airstrike from the Air Component, the troops repelled the assault as a second wave of 8 terrorists on 4 motorcycles was engaged, resulting in the neutralisation of three terrorists.

During exploitation, troops recovered 2 AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines and 7 motorcycles.

They also revealed that during a follow-on operation on the 3rd of May, troops encountered 2 additional terrorists on motorbikes in the same area who were neutralised on the spot, adding that one soldier paid the ultimate sacrifice during the operation.

The Nigerian Army disclosed that troops have consolidated their presence in Bagega, maintaining dominance over the area to prevent further threats.

Operation Fansan Yamma reaffirms its commitment to protecting citizens and urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.