BY OUR CORRESPONDENTS – Following coordinated offensives on criminal and terrorist enclaves, troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, have eliminated at least six suspected bandits and recovered arms in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states
In separate operations that also saw security forces achieving significant rescues of victims this week, high-tech communication equipment were recovered from bandits and other criminal elements in the process.
The development comes as troops and other security agents work together to secure the country with the Nigerian Army saying the renewed onslaughts are part of efforts to protect vulnerable communities and dismantle criminal networks operating in the North-West region.
In Sokoto State, troops of the COAS Intervention Battalion VII engaged terrorists in two separate encounters at Magonho Forest on March 25, neutralising three bandits. The operation also led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles and motorcycles.
Also, Zamfara recorded multiple breakthroughs on the same day, as troops laid a successful ambush along the Gada Maya–Makakari road, killing two terrorists and forcing others to flee. Among the recovered items were an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 55 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a Baofeng radio, two mobile phones, and a motorcycle.
Additionally, the troops foiled a retaliatory attack on Kaida Village, where assailants had accused locals of collaborating with security forces. One additional terrorist was neutralised, with another rifle recovered.
In a separate intelligence-led clearance operation in Dutsi Village, Moriki District of Zurmi Local Government Area of the State, troops forced fleeing terrorists to abandon weapons and ammunition under sustained pressure.
However, in Kebbi State, troops responding to intelligence on the presence of the Lakurawa Terrorist Group in Giron Masa community, Shanga Local Government Area, ran into an ambush about 500 metres from the village. Despite the surprise attack, the troops held their ground as reinforcements and combat support were swiftly deployed to the area.
A statement made available to newsmen on Thursday by Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, said the operations demonstrate the military’s resolve to dominate the battle space and degrade terrorist capabilities across the region.
He said: “Our troops have remained resolute and undeterred in the face of provocation. The ongoing operations are a clear indication of our commitment to neutralising terrorist elements and restoring lasting peace across the North-West”, adding that intelligence-driven operations were ongoing to track down fleeing fighters, particularly those involved in the Kebbi ambush.
“The morale of our troops remains high, and their actions continue to reflect courage, professionalism, and dedication to duty. We will not relent until these criminal elements are decisively dealt with,” he said.
Similarly, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) said rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with the state security outfit known as Benue Civil Protection Guard (BCPG) where a 28-year-old kidnapping victim, Mrs Member Ityavber, was successfully rescued in Tse-Ubena village, Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, and two suspected armed herders were arrested.
A statement issued by the acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lt Ahmad Zubairu and made available to journalists on Thursday, read, “Troops responded to reports of kidnapping activities at Tse-Ubena village in Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
“Troops deployed from Tor-Donga, in conjunction with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard. During the operation, one kidnapped victim, Mrs Member Ityavber, aged 28, was successfully rescued.”
According to Lt Zubairu, the troops, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a thorough search and discovered an abandoned suspected criminal hideout, adding, “Troops continued clearance operations with further exploitation across River Akpako, leading to the arrest of two suspects who are currently in custody, undergoing further investigation”.
Meanwhile, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major-General Moses Gara, has commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism.
In a related development, the Police Command in Zamfara State said a family of seven members abducted by gunmen suspected to be bandits in Damba town, Gusau LGA of the state, on Wednesday have been rescued after the criminal elements were forced to flee the scene.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the rescued persons, a housewife and her six children, were abducted by the bandits who were trying to take them to the forest before the security operatives successfully intervened to rescue them.
DSP Abubakar said, “On 25th March 2026 at about 2250hrs, a group of armed men suspected to be bandits stormed the residence of one Muhammad Lawal ‘m’, located at Nasarawa in Damba District, Gusau LGA, and abducted his wife along with six of his children.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) promptly mobilised a patrol team to the scene. The team engaged the bandits in a fierce confrontation, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee.”
He said all the victims were successfully rescued unhurt and safely reunited with their families, assuring that the Command would remain committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents of Zamfara state. – With agency reports
