Soldiers kill terrorist, arrest father, son in Katsina, Sokoto

FILE - Nigerian soldiers march during 58th anniversary celebrations of Nigerian independence in Abuja, Nigeria, Oct. 1, 2018.. Credit: VOA

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, have killed a suspected terrorist and arrested two others during separate operations in Katsina and Sokoto states.

The operations, conducted on November 10 and 11, also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, ammunition, a motorcycle and three mobile phones.

The Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Tamuno Sinivie disclosed this in a statement posted on X on Thursday.

Sinivie said troops of Sector 1 acted on credible intelligence about the presence of armed terrorists at Bada’u Gora in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, who were allegedly planning attacks on members of the community.

He said the troops subsequently established an ambush along the suspected terrorists’ route and engaged them upon contact, killing one of the armed men.

“Items recovered during the operation include one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, six rounds of ammunition, one motorcycle and three mobile phones,” the statement said.

It added that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation.

In a separate operation on November 11, troops of Sector 2 arrested two suspected terrorists during an intelligence-led operation at Bauni Forest in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The military said one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, three rounds of ammunition and ₦9,760 were recovered from the suspects.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations identified the suspects as Muhammadu Ali and Umaru Ali, who are father and son and allegedly affiliated with the Lakurawa terrorist group.

“The suspects are currently in custody undergoing further investigation and prosecution,” Sinivie said.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to tackling terrorist activities across the North-West, urging residents to support security operations by providing credible information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.

“Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains resolute in its commitment to rid the Joint Operations Area of terrorists and safeguard the lives and property of citizens,” the statement added.

The latest operations form part of ongoing military efforts to disrupt armed groups and prevent attacks on communities across the region.