Troops of operation FANSAN YANMA sustain pressure against terrorists across North West, North Central
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have intensified offensive operations against terrorists across the Joint Operations Areas (JOAs) of North West and parts of North Central, recording significant gains in the fight against insecurity.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Nigerian Army, in the long week operations, sustained pressure through clearance operations, ambush response and joint patrols, which led to the rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of weapons and arrest of suspects.
According to sources, in Sector 2 covering the 8 Division, troops responded to multiple terrorist activities between Aug. 27 and 28 in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States.
“At about 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 27, troops repelled a terrorist attack in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, rescuing a kidnapped victim who has since been reunited with his family.
“In Ngaski, troops of 1 Brigade in conjunction with vigilantes cleared a suspected terrorist hideout in Wawu village, arresting two suspects who were handed over to security agencies for further investigation.
“Similarly, troops deployed at Tsauna in Ilella LGA, linked up with Keystone forces and engaged terrorists in Sarma village after clearing Rumji and Tumbulumkum. The terrorists fled, abandoning a motorcycle which was recovered,”said sources.
The sources further disclosed that troops escorting commuters from Funtua to Gusau encountered an ambush at Kwanan-Aki in Faskari LGA on Aug. 28.
The troops fought through the ambush with reinforcement from 17 Brigade, Sheme, though one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice and his rifle was carted away by the fleeing terrorists.
Troops also carried out clearance operations in Isa LGA of Sokoto State, where they made contact at Tsabre village, engaging terrorists and recovering one AK-47 rifle, three empty magazines and 10 rounds of ammunition. Another kidnapped victim was rescued during the operation.
In Sector 3 covering 2 Division JOA, terrorist elements attacked Rore village in Irepodun LGA of Kwara State, killing two locals before troops arrived. Report said while no direct contact was made, troops have intensified patrols in the axis to track the attackers.
The sources added that in Borgu LGA of Niger State, terrorists attacked troops at Babanna FOB on Aug. 28, but the soldiers repelled the assault, forcing the assailants to flee. One soldier sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated for treatment.
“Exploitation conducted after the attack led to the discovery of the corpse of one neutralised terrorist at the outskirts of Babanna town. Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, four magazines loaded with 60 rounds, 323 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition and a mobile phone,” the sources said.
The Nigerian Army military command reiterated that despite isolated setbacks, troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA had maintained the momentum in dominating the battle space across Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States.
It assured that troops remain committed to sustaining aggressive operations, collaborating with vigilantes and other security agencies to ensure lasting peace in the region.
