Soldiers foil terror attacks in Zamfara, Katsina, kill nine militants

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Zamfara State and Katsina State, killing nine militants, including two suspected kingpins.

The operations, conducted between May 1 and May 3, also led to the recovery of arms, motorcycles, mobile phones, ammunition and cash.

In a statement on Sunday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said the operations targeted armed groups operating in the North-West.

He said troops on patrol from Forward Operating Base Fudma engaged suspected terrorists along the Turare–Yantumaki Road in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, where four militants were killed.

“In the ensuing firefight, troops neutralised four terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, ammunition, two motorcycles, seven mobile phones and the sum of ₦153,000,” Osoba said.

Osoba added that in a separate operation in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops from Forward Operating Base Bagega killed five other militants, including two identified as notorious kingpins.

He identified the suspects as Anaruwa and Gomina, noting that Anaruwa was a younger brother to a known bandit leader in the area.

According to him, the encounter began along the Bagega–Anka Road when troops confronted armed men on motorcycles.

“The terrorists initially retreated and abandoned their motorcycles, but later regrouped and launched a counterattack on Forward Operating Base Bagega,” he said.

He added that troops engaged another group of militants during the operation, killing three and recovering additional weapons and motorcycles.

Osoba further disclosed that troops, while pursuing fleeing suspects on May 3, killed two more militants.

He, however, confirmed that one soldier was killed during the operations.

The army said troops had sustained operations in the area to prevent further attacks and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.