Troops from the Nigerian Army have successfully neutralized three suspected terrorists and recovered a cache of weapons during a military operation conducted in the Kadam Forest, located within the Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Security sources informed Zagazola Makama that this operation was executed by soldiers from the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion 7, working in conjunction with the 8 Division Strike Team, all operating under the umbrella of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
According to these sources, the troops initiated the operation following intelligence reports indicating that over 100 terrorists, believed to be affiliated with the Lakurawa extremist group, had gathered in the forest. Their purpose was to strategize attacks on nearby communities and transport kidnapped victims to their hidden strongholds.
The troops reportedly mobilized swiftly, making contact with the group around 12 pm, which quickly escalated into a fierce gun battle.
“The ensuing firefight was intense and sustained, with the terrorists attempting a rear-flanking manoeuvre,” a security source revealed.
“Troops responded decisively with superior firepower, maintaining tactical dominance and effectively neutralising the immediate threat.”
During subsequent exploitation operations within the forest, the troops confirmed the deaths of three terrorists. It is believed that several other terrorists managed to escape, likely sustaining gunshot wounds.
Security operatives also successfully recovered one PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, 350 rounds of PKT ammunition, 111 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three magazines, two communication radios, three motorcycles, and a mobile phone.
Military authorities have indicated that follow-up operations are currently underway to ascertain if there were additional casualties among the fleeing terrorists and to recover any further arms and equipment.
The Force Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA lauded the troops for their exceptional performance during the operation.
“The commitment and courage of our troops remain unwavering,” the commander asserted.
“Operations like this demonstrate that the security of citizens is our priority, and we will continue to disrupt and dismantle terrorist networks wherever they operate.”
He further added that aggressive patrols and sustained operations would continue in the area to prevent any regrouping of fleeing terrorists and to thwart potential future attacks on communities and transport routes.
