Troops of the COAS Special Intervention Battalion 7, Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have dislodged suspected terrorists from their hideouts in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The operation, carried out as part of ongoing military efforts to dismantle terrorist strongholds in the North-West, also led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and other items allegedly abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesman for Sector 2, 8 Division, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, the troops conducted clearance operations around Manu, Alkasim and Kandam villages, as well as the Magarya Forest axis.
Osoba said the troops encountered the terrorists in the forest, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
He said, “Upon making contact with the terrorists within the Magarya Forest enclave, troops engaged the terrorist elements with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their positions and flee into the deep forest.”
Following the encounter, the soldiers carried out a search of the area and recovered a PKT machine gun, AK-47 rifles and a large quantity of 7.62 x 54mm belted ammunition.
Several motorcycles and other logistical items were also found in the area.
The military said the seizure of the weapons and motorcycles would weaken the terrorists’ ability to carry out operations and move around the affected communities.
The statement added that troops had continued to maintain a strong presence in the area to prevent the terrorists from regrouping.
“The troops continue to dominate the general area to ensure the total security of surrounding communities,” Osoba stated.
The operation is part of ongoing military offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist camps and improving security across communities in Sokoto and other parts of the North-West.
