By Umar Faruk
Gusau, Zamfara, Nigeria — May 3, 2026(Series News Online)- Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralized nine terrorists, including two notorious kingpins, and recovered four AK-47 rifles and nine motorcycles during a series of operations conducted between May 1 and May 3 in Katsina and Zamfara States.
The operations were aimed at thwarting planned attacks by terrorist groups across the two states.
In Katsina State, troops of the Forward Operating Base Fudma encountered terrorists while on a fighting patrol along the Turare–Yantumaki Road in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area.
“During the ensuing firefight, the troops neutralized four terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles with two magazines and some quantities of ammunition, as well as two motorcycles, seven mobile phones, and the sum of One Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand Naira (₦153,000),” the Army said.
In a separate operation in Zamfara State between May 2 and May 3, troops at the Forward Operating Base Bagega executed a high-stakes operation in Anka Local Government Area that led to the neutralization of seven terrorists, including two notorious kingpins identified as Anaruwa and Gomina.
According to the military, 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 four armed terrorists on two motorcycles to retreat, abandoning their motorbikes,” the statement said.
The terrorists later regrouped and launched a counterattack on the Forward Operating Base Bagega.
“Following reinforcement by various combat teams and supported by a precision airstrike from the Air Component, the troops repelled the assault. A second wave of eight terrorists on four motorcycles was engaged, resulting in the neutralization of three terrorists,” the Army stated.
During exploitation, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines and seven motorcycles.
In a follow-on operation on May 3, troops encountered two additional terrorists on motorcycles in the same area who were neutralized on the spot.
“Tragically, one soldier paid the ultimate sacrifice during the operation,” the statement said.
Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said troops had consolidated their presence in Bagega to prevent further threats.
“Troops have consolidated their presence in Bagega, maintaining dominance over the area to prevent further threats,” Osoba said.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting citizens and urged the public to support security efforts.
“Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirms its dedication to protecting citizens and urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies,” he said.
Tags
Banditry