Troops Clears 9 villages in Sokoto in search of Lukurawa, Arrest Key Suspect
By: Zagazola Makama
The troops of Nigerian Army’s Operation FANSAN YANMA have continued their offensive against bandit groups and LUKURAWA operating in the North-West, clearing multiple camps in Sokoto and arresting a key suspect linked to a notorious terrorist leader.
Zagazola Makama who continued to give deep insight into the operation was informed that the coordinated operations by the combined troops of the 248 Battalion and CIB VII began with an assault launched from Maikumari village towards Rijiyan Zobe in Binji Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State.
The operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the Lakurawa bandit group had established a new camp in the area. Upon reaching Rijiyan Zobe, the troops found Fulani settlers going about their normal activities, suggesting that the area was not entirely under the control of the bandits.
However, further intelligence pointed to the presence of the criminals in Duchin Kaie, a high-ground location where they had set up camp.
The troops swiftly advanced towards the area and made contact with elements of the Lakurawa group, who attempted to resist the assault. However, faced with superior firepower, the bandits were forced to flee in disarray, leaving behind traces of blood, indicating that some had sustained gunshot wounds.
After securing the area, troops conducted a thorough search and destroyed the bandit camp. Items recovered from the scene included: jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), several pieces of Nigerien military uniforms, foodstuffs and various clothing materials. All recovered items were subsequently destroyed to prevent them from being used for further criminal activities.
However, following the successful operation at Duchin Kaie, troops extended their clearance mission towards the fleeing routes of the terrorists and other suspected bandit hideouts. The forces moved through Karfe Binji Forest, continuing their advance towards Anada village, Soro Yanma, and Guhipto, ensuring the areas were cleared of criminal elements. No further contact was made as the bandit continued to fled leaving only traces of their footprints.
In a video obtained by Zagazola, the troops were heard calling out the terrorists to come and fight describing them as cowards. Yet no indication of their presence.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, troops successfully raided the Gudun Gudun general area, a known stronghold of criminal elements. During the operation, they arrested Dahiru Umar, a confirmed violent extremist and younger brother of Ahmadu Maiyaki, a notorious bandit kingpin who had long terrorized the Gudun Gudun and Basanta communities.
