Army troops of Operation Fansan Yamma repel bandits’ attack, recover arms in Sokoto

Army troops of Operation Fansan Yamma repel bandits’ attack, recover arms in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with other security agencies, have repelled a bandits’ attack on Kola Village in Salame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Jan. 1, 2026, at about 6:15 a.m., following a distress call that a large number of armed bandits, wielding sophisticated weapons, had invaded the community.

According to the source, the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were swiftly deployed to the area

“The joint security team engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel that lasted for some time. The bandits were overpowered and fled into the nearby forest with their casualties,” the source said.

The added that during a combing of the surrounding bushes, the security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle with 24 rounds of live ammunition, believed to belong to a neutralised bandit.

The team also recovered 48 rustled sheep that had been taken from villagers during the attack.

“No casualty was recorded on the side of the troops and the villagers,” the source said.

The sources said confidence-building patrols were ongoing in the area, while all FOB’s had been placed on alert to watch out for any injured bandits seeking refuge.

The troopd reassured residents of Salame and adjoining communities of sustained security presence and urged them to continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

Army troops of Operation Fansan Yamma repel bandits’ attack, recover arms in Sokoto