Troops repel terrorist network in Sokoto jungle, kill three people, recover weapons

Nigerian Army troops operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have killed three suspected terrorists in a firefight with armed fighters at Kadam Forest in Tangaza Local Government Area of ​​Sokoto State.

The military operation was carried out by personnel of the Army Staff’s 7th Special Intervention Battalion, working alongside the 8th Division Strike Team, after intelligence reports indicated that a large group of terrorists had gathered in the forest to plan attacks on local communities.

The Nigerian Army confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba.

According to Osoba, the military launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence that a large number of terrorists had gathered deep in the forest.

He said, “This operation was initiated after credible intelligence indicated that over 100 terrorists had gathered deep inside the Kadam Forest to coordinate attacks and kidnappings against local communities and transport their abductees to their bases.”

Troops quickly mobilized to the area and reportedly encountered armed groups around noon, sparking heavy gunfire.

Osoba explained that the encounter quickly escalated into a fierce battle as the terrorists attempted to outmaneuver the soldiers.

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“The exchange of fire was fierce and sustained. When the terrorists attempted a rear-flank maneuver, the troops responded with superior firepower, which effectively neutralized the threat and maintained tactical dominance throughout the battle,” he said.

After the firefight, troops carried out clearance operations in all parts of the forest. The drill confirmed the killing of three terrorists, while several others are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

During a search of the area, troops also found a number of weapons and other equipment believed to belong to the fleeing fighters.

The evidence seized included one PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, 350 rounds of PKT ammunition, 111 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, three magazines, two communication radios, three motorbikes and one cell phone.

A military spokesman said operations were continuing in the area to track down members of other armed groups.

“Further operations are underway to ensure additional enemy casualties and recover further material,” Osoba said.

He noted that troop morale remained high and described the operation as proof of the effectiveness of intelligence-led security missions in fighting terrorism in the North West.

“Aggressive patrols and offensive operations continue throughout the region to exploit these successes, disrupt fleeing terrorist elements and prevent them from regrouping,” he said.

Sokoto State, especially communities in Tangaza, Gudu and Illela Local Government Areas, have recorded an increase in attacks by armed groups in recent months.

Security agencies attribute most of the attacks to members of the Lakurawa terror network, a group believed to operate across the Niger-Niger border and use remote forests as hideouts.

In response, the military has stepped up operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA with the aim of dismantling terrorist camps, rescuing abducted victims and restoring security in the North West region.