Troops Neutralise Terrorist, Arrest Nine Suspects in Zamfara
Troops of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intensified ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Zamfara State, recording significant successes that led to the neutralisation of a terrorist, the arrest of nine suspected bandits and criminal collaborators, and the recovery of motorcycles, communication equipment and other items.
According to the military, troops of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA on June 5 conducted a fighting patrol to Birnin Tsaba and Tsanu villages in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, where they encountered terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village.
A firefight ensued, resulting in the death of one terrorist, while troops recovered seven motorcycles believed to have been used by the criminal elements.
In a separate operation on June 6, troops responded swiftly to a terrorist attack on Anguwar Sarkin Musulmi village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. The military said the terrorists fled into nearby bushes after engaging troops.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the attackers had stolen personal belongings from residents before the arrival of security forces. The military noted that the incident underscored what it described as the increasing desperation of terrorist groups whose logistics and sources of sustenance have been significantly degraded by sustained military pressure.
Also on June 6, troops responded to reports of an attack on commuters along the Kaura Namoda–Zurmi Road. Investigations indicated that terrorists had ambushed two civilian vehicles between Jabanda and Dauran villages in Zurmi Local Government Area.
Troops subsequently secured the area, evacuated injured victims for medical treatment and commenced efforts to track down the attackers and rescue any passengers who may have been abducted during the incident.
Meanwhile, troops conducting a fighting patrol to Tudun Wada and Dan Gulbi communities in Maru Local Government Area arrested eight suspected bandits at Tudun Wada.
Items recovered from the suspects included seven motorcycles, communication equipment, mobile phones, power banks, military-style uniforms and other materials. Troops also destroyed a structure allegedly being used by the suspects.
In a related development, troops on June 5 arrested a suspected recipient of recently intercepted ammunition at Tupa village in Shinkafi Local Government Area following intelligence-led operations.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and bandits across the North-West and called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security efforts.
The developments were disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
By TimesNG