Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, neutralised two terrorists and recovered weapons and motorcycles following a fierce clash with armed groups in the Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Thursday.
According to the military, the operation was triggered by credible intelligence received in the early hours of the day, indicating that terrorists were moving hundreds of rustled cattle through the Maikujera area of Rabah LGA. Troops attached to Sector 2 were quickly deployed to intercept the group.
“While advancing towards the identified area, the troops encountered an ambush staged by the terrorists,” said Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in a statement issued Thursday.
“Troops responded decisively, fought through the ambush with superior firepower, and neutralised two terrorists, forcing the remaining elements to flee into the surrounding bushes.”
A search of the area afterwards led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and three motorcycles that had been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists, the military said.
Danja noted that the rustled cattle scattered into nearby bushes during the exchange of gunfire, and that troops are now working alongside local vigilante groups to track down and recover the livestock.
“The general area remains calm and stable as troops continue to dominate the area and maintain vigilance to prevent further terrorist activities,” Danja said, adding that forces remain committed to protecting lives and property across the Joint Operations Area.
He said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA “remain resolute in sustaining the operational momentum against terrorist and criminal elements” in the region.
