Nigerian troops operating under Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed two suspected terrorists in Kebbi State and rescued 62 abducted persons in Zamfara State during coordinated security operations, the Nigerian Army has confirmed.
The operations, carried out across Sector 2 of the North-West, were based on actionable intelligence targeting terrorist and bandit hideouts in the region.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 8 Division/Sector 2, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said troops in Kebbi State intercepted suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group near the border communities of Augie Local Government Area in Kebbi and Binji Local Government Area in Sokoto State.
According to him, soldiers laid a strategic ambush at Kerani village, where they engaged the armed group in a brief firefight, killing two terrorists and recovering two motorcycles used for operations.
Osoba said the neutralised suspects were dressed in camouflage uniforms and were riding motorcycles modified for long-distance movement, padded with thick blankets and equipped with items such as hand tyre pumps.
Hostages freed in Zamfara forest raid
In a separate operation in Zamfara State, troops stormed Munhaye Forest following intelligence reports that kidnapped victims were being held by a notorious bandit leader identified as Kachalla Alti.
The raid resulted in the successful rescue of 62 abducted persons, who have since been taken to a secure location for safety and medical evaluation.
Military authorities said arrangements are underway to reunite the rescued victims with their families after preliminary screening and necessary support.
“These achievements underscore the sustained pressure being mounted by Operation FANSAN YAMMA and its partners to dismantle criminal networks, restore security and safeguard lives across the North-West,” Lieutenant Colonel Osoba said.
He added that the operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups, reaffirming the military’s commitment to curbing terrorism and banditry in the region.
