Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised three suspected terrorists and recovered weapons during a military operation in Kadam Forest in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Security sources informed Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out by troops of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion 7 working alongside the 8 Division Strike Team under the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
According to the sources, the troops launched the operation following intelligence reports that more than 100 terrorists linked to the Lakurawa extremist group had assembled in the forest to plan attacks on nearby communities and move kidnapped victims to their hideouts.
The troops reportedly mobilised swiftly and made contact with the group at about 12 pm, leading to a gun battle.
“The ensuing firefight was intense and sustained, with the terrorists attempting a rear-flanking manoeuvre,” a security source said.
“Troops responded decisively with superior firepower, maintaining tactical dominance and effectively neutralising the immediate threat.”
During exploitation operations in the forest, the troops confirmed the killing of three terrorists, while several others were believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
Security operatives also recovered one PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, 350 rounds of PKT ammunition, 111 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three magazines, two communication radios, three motorcycles, and a mobile phone.
Military authorities said follow-up operations were ongoing to determine additional casualties among the fleeing terrorists and recover more arms and equipment.
The Force Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their performance during the operation.
“The commitment and courage of our troops remain unwavering,” the commander said.
“Operations like this demonstrate that the security of citizens is our priority, and we will continue to disrupt and dismantle terrorist networks wherever they operate.”
He added that aggressive patrols and sustained operations would continue in the area to prevent fleeing terrorists from regrouping and launching further attacks on communities and transport routes.
Troops kill three terrorists, recover weapons in Sokoto forest operation
