Three soldiers killed as troops repel terrorists, rescue abductees

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued abducted victims, killed four suspected terrorists and recovered weapons, motorcycles and rustled livestock in a series of coordinated operations across Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara states.

The military, however, disclosed that three soldiers were killed during one of the operations in Zamfara State.

The operations, conducted between June 18 and June 22, were part of ongoing offensives against terrorists and bandits operating across the North-West, according to separate statements issued on Monday by the military.

The Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt Col Aliyu Danja, said troops first foiled an attempt by armed terrorists to infiltrate Tureta town in Sokoto State.

“The vigilant troops engaged the criminals, forcing them to abandon their sinister mission and flee,” he said.

According to Danja, aerial surveillance assets tracked the fleeing terrorists to Sulubawa Gidan Kare village, where they were seen moving with abducted civilians and rustled livestock.

He said troops immediately launched a pursuit and fought through an ambush mounted by the fleeing terrorists.

“Despite encountering a hastily mounted ambush by the retreating terrorists, the troops displayed exceptional courage and superior firepower, fighting through the ambush and compelling the criminals to scatter,” he stated.

The operation resulted in the rescue of the abductees, recovery of rustled cattle and seizure of two motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists.

In another operation in the early hours of June 22, troops raided a suspected terrorist enclave in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Danja said two terrorists were killed during the raid, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“The surprise assault completely overwhelmed the terrorists. During the ensuing firefight, two terrorists were neutralised, while several others fled the scene with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” he said.

Items recovered during the operation included a PKT assault rifle, an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, three motorcycles, communication devices and rustled livestock.

In Kaduna State, troops responding to a distress call rescued two women and a one-year-old child from kidnappers in the Kerawa area of Igabi Local Government Area.

The rescued victims were identified as Bilkisu Hayatu, 38, Habibah Sadisu, 30, and Abdulmutallib Sadisu, aged one.

According to Danja, the kidnappers abandoned the victims after sighting the advancing troops.

“Acting with speed and precision, the troops combed the area and successfully rescued Mrs Bilkisu Hayatu, Mrs Habibah Sadisu and a one-year-old child, Abdulmutallib Sadisu, who had been abandoned by the fleeing criminals upon sighting the advancing troops,” he said.

He added that the victims were evacuated to a primary healthcare facility in Kadage for treatment.

Preliminary investigations showed they had been abducted from Kajenjere Tami Village in Birnin Yero on May 17, 2026.

Also in Zamfara State, troops, working with other security agencies, foiled a planned terrorist attack on Gamdanda Village in Gummi Local Government Area after acting on credible intelligence.

Danja said troops laid an ambush on the outskirts of Gummi and forced the terrorists to retreat under heavy gunfire.

Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, eight motorcycles and food supplies allegedly meant for terrorist operations.

In another operation in the state, troops, in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency, arrested four suspected violent extremists and informants.

Related News Army pushes collaboration to tackle insecurity

Lawal rejects dialogue with bandits as 50 Zamfara elders remain captive

Join fight against banditry, DIG urges Sokoto leaders, youths

The military said several incriminating items were recovered from the suspects, who are currently undergoing investigation.

It also confirmed the arrest of a suspected terrorist, Muhammad Mamman, whose conflicting claims regarding his identity and activities reportedly raised suspicion.

Troops deployed in Maru Local Government Area also repelled another terrorist attack after receiving reinforcement from personnel of the 1 Brigade.

According to Danja, the troops inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers.

“Troops inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists, as evidenced by blood trails observed along the criminals’ withdrawal route, indicating substantial losses,” he said.

He, however, disclosed that three soldiers died during the encounter.

“Regrettably, three gallant soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter,” he added.

He further said troops responding to intelligence reports on the movement of armed terrorists towards Tudun Barade and Badamma villages in Bakura Local Government Area forced the assailants to abandon the planned attack and retreat.

Meanwhile, troops of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, during Operation Clean Sweep III, overran a suspected terrorist enclave at Ginchawa community in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

In a separate statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, Lt Adewale Adisa, the Army said troops acted on credible intelligence and launched a dawn raid on the hideout.

According to the statement, two terrorists were killed, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Recovered items included two PKT machine guns, one Dane gun, one AK-47 magazine, 75 rounds of 7.62mm linked NATO ammunition, three motorcycles, two mobile phones, one Motorola radio set, one camouflage uniform, two cows and four goats.

The Army added that no soldier was killed during the operation.

Meanwhile, anxiety has gripped communities in the Zugurma axis of Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State following reports of the alleged influx of bandits into the area.

A resident, Mallam Sani, alleged that dozens of armed men riding motorcycles openly moved around the community and local market carrying sophisticated weapons.

“The terrorists came into the community this morning in a large number, carrying dangerous weapons. They were moving about the community market as if they were celebrities.

“We want the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, and the security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, take proactive steps before they eventually launch an attack on innocent citizens that may result in loss of lives and property,” he said.

Some residents also alleged that the armed men were conducting surveillance ahead of possible attacks.

However, the spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, said the incident involved bandits who blocked the Mokwa-Bussa Road and attacked the police post in Zugurma village.

He said a joint security team responded promptly, forcing the attackers to flee into the Ibbi Forest.

“A group of bandits blocked the Mokwa-Bussa Road and invaded Zugurma village in Mashegu LGA, while they also attacked the police post in the village.

“A joint security team responded, and the bandits fled to Ibbi Forest, while the road was cleared for motorists and normalcy was restored without any record of abduction. Further development will be communicated,” Abiodun said.