Soldiers kill terrorist, rescue six family members in Sokoto, Zamfara

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have neutralised a suspected terrorist in Sokoto State and foiled a kidnapping attempt, rescuing six members of the same family in Zamfara State.

In Sokoto, troops of Sector 2 raided a suspected terrorist hideout around Karani village in Gudu Local Government Area following credible intelligence on the activities of terrorists in the area.

The troops engaged the terrorists after making contact, killing one suspected terrorist while others fled into the surrounding forest.

The operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle loaded with live ammunition, an operational motorcycle, military camouflage uniforms, maintenance tools and other logistical supplies.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesman for the 8 Division, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said the troops responded with “decisive firepower” during the encounter.

He said, “The successful operation demonstrates the resolve and capability of troops of Operation Fansan Yamma to disrupt terrorist activities and deny them freedom of action within the theatre.

“No fewer than six persons were rescued by the troops in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto in the process,” he added.

Osoba added that the troops immediately launched clearance operations in the surrounding forest to prevent the fleeing terrorists from regrouping.

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He said, “Following the encounter, troops executed clearance operations in the surrounding forest axis to dominate the general area and deny fleeing elements freedom of action.”

Meanwhile, in a related development in Zamfara State, troops of 17 Brigade, operating under Operation Fansan Yamma, foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued six members of the same family in Tsafe Local Government Area.

The troops moved in after receiving reports of an ongoing attack and engaged the armed terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandon the victims.

The six family members were rescued unharmed and taken to a safe location for care before being reunited with their relatives.

The latest operations are part of ongoing efforts by Operation Fansan Yamma to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt kidnapping activities and improve security across the North-West.