OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA: TROOPS CRUSH TERROR CELL IN SOKOTO FOREST, RECOVER WEAPONS, FOIL ATTACK PLOT

Troops of the COAS Special Intervention Battalion 7, in conjunction with the 8 Division Strike Team operating under the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have dealt a major tactical blow to a terrorist network in Kadam Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following a fierce gun battle that disrupted a planned wave of attacks and kidnappings. 

The troops recorded the operational success after a decisive engagement with a notorious terrorist group linked to the Lakurawa network, which had reportedly assembled deep inside the forest to coordinate assaults on surrounding communities.

According to military authorities, the operation was launched after credible intelligence revealed that over 100 terrorists had converged in Kadam Forest to plan coordinated attacks, abduct civilians, and transport kidnapped victims to their hideouts.

Acting swiftly, the troops mobilised to intercept the terrorists before the plot could be executed. Contact with the armed group was established at about 1200 hours, leading to a prolonged and intense firefight.

During the encounter, the terrorists attempted a rear-flanking manoeuvre to outsmart the advancing troops, but the soldiers responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to retreat while maintaining full tactical dominance throughout the operation.

Follow-up exploitation of the forest confirmed the neutralisation of three terrorists, while several others were believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds

Troops recovered a cache of weapons and equipment during the operation, including: 

One PKT machine gun;

Two AK-47 rifles;

350 rounds of PKT ammunition;

111 rounds of 7.62 special ammunition;

Three magazines;

Two communication radios;

Three motorcycles and

One mobile phone

Military sources said follow-on operations are ongoing to track fleeing terrorists, confirm additional casualties, and recover more weapons.

The Army said troop morale remains high, with fighting efficiency described as strong and unwavering, noting that the success underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint security operations in weakening terrorist networks across the North-West.

Aggressive patrols and sustained offensive operations are continuing across the general area to prevent regrouping of fleeing terrorist elements and ensure the safety of local communities.

The statement was issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba,

Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations,

8 Division Nigerian Army / Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma,