Troops operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intensified their offensive against armed groups in the North-West, recording significant successes across Katsina and Zamfara states.
In a statement released by Olaniyi Osoba, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 8 Division, the military disclosed that a series of coordinated operations led to the neutralisation of nine terrorists, including two high-profile kingpins, alongside the recovery of weapons and other items.
In Katsina State, troops attached to the Forward Operating Base Fudma carried out a targeted operation that resulted in the elimination of four terrorists.
During the operation, soldiers recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines, ammunition, two motorcycles, seven mobile phones, and a cash sum of N153,000.
In a separate but related mission in Zamfara State, troops from Forward Operating Base Bagega conducted a high-risk operation in Anka Local Government Area between May 2 and 3, 2026. The operation led to the neutralisation of seven terrorists, including two notorious figures identified as Anaruwa and Gomina.
According to the statement, the operation escalated when a second group of eight terrorists arrived on four motorcycles in an apparent attempt to reinforce their colleagues.
However, the troops, supported by precision airstrikes from the air component, successfully repelled the attack. Three additional terrorists were neutralised, and two AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, along with seven motorcycles, were recovered.
The operation continued with further engagements in the same area.
“During a follow-on operation on May 3, 2026, troops encountered two additional terrorists on motorbikes in the same area who were neutralised on the spot.Troops also, lost one personnel during the operation” it said.
While the military recorded gains, the loss of a personnel highlights the risks involved in ongoing operations against armed groups in the region.
