Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have neutralised two suspected members of the Lakurawa Terrorist Group during a military operation in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

They also recovered weapons and rustled livestock in separate operations across Sokoto and Katsina states.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the operations formed part of ongoing offensives against terrorists and bandits in the North-West.

Osoba said troops responded to a distress call over an attempt by suspected Lakurawa terrorists to set ablaze a Nigerian Immigration Service facility at Ruwa Wiri village in Tangaza LGA.

He said the troops engaged the attackers in a gun duel, killing two of them, while others escaped due to “overwhelming firepower” from the soldiers.

“In Sokoto State, troops responded swiftly to a distress call reporting an attempt by Lakurawa Terrorist Group terrorists to set fire to a Nigerian Immigration Service facility at Ruwa Wiri Village in Tangaza Local Government Area.

“The troops made contact with the terrorists, neutralising two terrorists in the ensuing firefight, while others fled due to overwhelming firepower,” he said.

He added that troops later combed the area and recovered “two AK-47 rifles, several rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle.”

In a separate operation in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, troops on fighting patrol reportedly intercepted terrorists moving with rustled livestock at Danya Bakwai settlement.

According to the statement, the terrorists abandoned the animals after coming under military attack.

Osoba stated, “Troops deployed in Jibia LGA of Katsina State, while on fighting patrol, encountered terrorists moving with herds of rustled livestock at Danya Bakwai Settlement.

“The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon 62 rustled livestock.”

The recovered livestock were later handed over to their owners at the palace of the Daddara District Head in Jibia.

The military spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to tackling insecurity in the region.

“Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to eradicating terrorism and banditry in the region,” he said, while urging residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.

The military has intensified operations against armed groups across the North-West amid persistent attacks on communities, security facilities and incidents of cattle rustling linked to bandits and the Lakurawa terrorist group.

In recent months, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have carried out coordinated offensives in Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi states to curb insecurity and dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.

Update news