Troops ambush terrorists in Sokoto, recover six AK-47 rifles

By: Zagazola Makama

Combined troops of 8 Division Garrison Strike Force and the Department of State Services have neutralized a terrorist cell in Sokoto State and recovered six AK-47 rifles in a decisive counter-terrorism operation.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists were intercepted in transit to Gundumi Village in Isa Local Government Area to carry out an attack on civilians. Acting on credible intelligence gathered through weeks of surveillance, troops tactically positioned themselves near the village and engaged the insurgents, who were traveling on motorbikes from a nearby forest.

One terrorist was neutralized during the encounter, while others fled into the forest with gunshot wounds, abandoning their mission.

The source said a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of six AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, and 18 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

He added that troops have intensified patrols and maintained a strong presence in the area to prevent further threats.

“This successful operation underscores the unwavering commitment of 8 Division and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting lives and property, reinforcing public confidence in the security forces’ ability to combat terrorism and maintain peace,” the source said.

Troops ambush terrorists in Sokoto, recover six AK-47 rifles

Troops repel Boko Haram/ISWAP ambush in Borno, kill 10, recover arms

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled an ambush by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State, killing 10 insurgents and recovering a cache of arms and equipment.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday during ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V/Siege Operations.

The source said troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters, came under attack by terrorists who were in an ambush position with a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) and small arms fire.

“The troops, who were on high alert, responded with heavy volume of fire and successfully repelled the ambush.

“The attack was followed by the detonation of an IED on the troops, but their swift response forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray, with several of them killed and others sustaining gunshot wounds,” the source said.

He added that a reinforcement team from Ngoshe swiftly moved to cut off the terrorists’ withdrawal routes along the foothills of the Mandara Mountains and successfully ambushed the retreating fighters.

“Troops mounted a hot pursuit on the remnants who managed to escape and exploited the general area towards the withdrawal routes, recovering several bodies and equipment,” he said.

The source said 10 terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, including two senior leaders identified as Basulhu, a key commander, and his second-in-command, Ubaida.

Items recovered from the terrorists include three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, five motorcycles, two hand grenades, two Baofeng radios, 12 AK-47 magazines, 197 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, one RPG charger, two detonating cords, 13 nine-volt batteries, an iron bar, a bandolier and a camel bag.

The source said the general security situation in the area remained relatively calm but fluid, adding that troops continued to maintain maximum alertness.

Troops repel Boko Haram/ISWAP ambush in Borno, kill 10, recover arms

Troops kill terrorist, recover arms in Maiduguri cordon-and-search operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed a suspected Boko Haram fighter and recovered arms during a cordon-and-search operation in parts of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), the military said on Thursday.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted under Operation Desert Sanity IV following intelligence reports of suspected terrorist activities and possible suicide bomber movements within the metropolis.

The source said troops were alerted to a gun battle between Boko Haram and ISWAP factions around the Malkube area of Tungushe General Area near Baga Road Market.

“On receipt of the report, a standby team comprising 36 soldiers and 10 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was mobilised to the scene.

“On arrival, the troops exchanged gunfire with the terrorists. The general area was cordoned off and searched, leading to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 magazines, 15 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and a Samsung Fold 4 Android phone,” the source said.

He added that one terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while no casualties were recorded on the side of the troops.

The source said the operation, which was hitch-free, ended at about 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, with troops still monitoring the area for more intelligence and clearing suspected hideouts of terrorists hibernating within the metropolis.

Troops kill terrorist, recover arms in Maiduguri cordon-and-search operation