Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised three terrorists and recovered several weapons during a military operation in Kadam Forest located in Tangaza Local Government Area.
The operation involved personnel from the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion 7 working alongside the 8 Division Strike Team of the 8 Division Nigerian Army.
Details of the operation were disclosed on Monday in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Olaniyi Osoba.
According to the statement, troops recorded a major operational success after engaging a notorious terrorist network believed to be linked to the Lakurawa terrorist group active in the area. The military explained that the action followed intelligence reports indicating that a large number of terrorists had assembled in Kadam Forest to coordinate attacks on nearby communities.
Security sources reportedly revealed that more than 100 terrorists had gathered inside the forest to plan kidnappings and assaults on surrounding settlements, while also moving abducted victims to their hideouts.
“Troops of the COAS Special Intervention Battalion 7 in conjunction with 8 Division Strike Team, operating under the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have eliminated terrorists at Kadam Forest recording a significant operational success following a decisive engagement with a notorious terrorist network affiliated with Lakurawa Terrorists in Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State.” The statement said
The Army noted that troops swiftly mobilised to intercept the suspected terrorists immediately the intelligence was received.
“The operation was initiated following credible intelligence indicating that over 100 terrorists had converged deep within Kadam Forest to coordinate attacks and kidnapping on local communities and transport their kidnapped victims to their strongholds. Acting swiftly on this intelligence, troops mobilised to intercept the terrorist advance. Contact was established at approximately 1200 hours.” The statement added.
According to the statement, soldiers later engaged the terrorists in an intense gun battle during the operation.
“The ensuing firefight was fierce and sustained. When the terrorists attempted a rear-flanking manoeuvre, troops responded with superior firepower, effectively neutralising the threat and maintaining tactical dominance throughout the engagement.” The statement added
Following the clash, troops conducted further search operations in the forest to assess the impact of the engagement.
“Subsequent exploitation operations into the forest confirmed the neutralisation of three terrorists, with several others believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during their escape. Troops recovered one PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, 350 rounds of PKT ammunition,111 rounds of 7.62 Special,3 magazines, 2 radios, 3 motorcycles and a mobile phone.
Follow-on operations are ongoing to confirm additional enemy casualties and recover further materiel.” The statement noted
The Army added that soldiers involved in the mission remain highly motivated and committed to sustaining the fight against terrorist groups operating in the region.
“Troop morale remains high, with fighting efficiency assessed as strong and unwavering. This operation demonstrates the continued effectiveness of intelligence-driven, joint security operations in degrading terrorist networks and disrupting their sustainment capabilities.” The statement said
The military further revealed that additional patrols and offensive missions are ongoing to build on the success of the operation and prevent fleeing terrorists from reorganising.
“Aggressive patrols and sustained offensive operations continue across the general area to exploit this success, disrupt fleeing terrorist elements and prevent their regrouping.” The statement concluded.
