Troops sustain pressure on terrorists, neutralized several, recover weapons, livestock in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, conducting clearance operations under Operation FANSAN YANMA in Zamfara State have sustained pressure on terrorists, neutralising several fighters, recovering arms, motorcycles, and rescuing dozens of livestock.

The coordinated operations, conducted between July 22 and 23, targeted criminal enclaves and key terrorist transit routes in Maradun and Anka Local Government Areas of the state.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that on July 23, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Fangaltama in Maradun LGA, acting on credible intelligence about terrorist activities, embarked on a fighting patrol and made contact with armed elements behind a tractia company location.

A fierce gun duel ensued during which three terrorists were neutralised. The troops recovered two AK-47 rifles with one empty magazine, two Honda motorcycles, a Tecno mobile phone with dual SIM cards, a wireless earbud, and some old naira notes.

Similarly, on July 22, based on intelligence on the movement of a large number of terrorists toward Taki Tawas village in Anka LGA, troops launched a fighting patrol.

In the course of the operation, the Brigade Commander, who was on an operational assessment visit, joined the troops and took command of the battle. The terrorists fled in disarray, abandoning two motorcycles which were later recovered during exploitation.

In another bold manoeuvre, troops in conjunction with local vigilantes, staged a night ambush in the early hours of July 23 near Taki Takwas village. The ambush team successfully engaged the terrorists, pursued them through their withdrawal routes, and destroyed eight Honda motorcycles.

Troops also recovered 14 camels abandoned by the fleeing terrorists, which are believed to have been stolen from local communities. Efforts are ongoing to reunite the recovered animals with their rightful owners.

In a follow-up exploitation on July 23, troops recovered an additional 56 cows and one camel, bringing the total livestock recovered to 78.

The recovered animals were formally handed over to the Chairman of Bakura Local Government Area, Hon. Saidu Danbala, who was represented by the Speaker of the LGA Legislative Council, Hon. Armaya’u Boyi Bakura. Representatives from Anka LGA, as well as councillors from Birnin Tudu and Damri villages, were also present during the handover.

A military source said the series of successful engagements have degraded terrorist capabilities and boosted civilian confidence.

“The general security situation within our Area of Responsibility remains calm but unpredictable. Troops continue to dominate key locations and routes to deny terrorists freedom of action,” the source said.

The ongoing operations are part of the Nigerian Army’s intensified efforts to restore peace and security in the North-West zone, especially in Zamfara, where terrorists have for years disrupted socio-economic activities.

Troops sustain pressure on terrorists, neutralized several, recover weapons, livestock in Zamfara