Military Strikes Terror Enclaves, Rescues Abductees in Sokoto, Katsina Operations

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have repelled a terrorist attack, rescued abducted civilians, and recovered weapons during separate operations in Sokoto and Katsina States.

The operations, carried out in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State and Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, are part of intensified military efforts to curb persistent attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling across the North-West region.

According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, troops foiled an attempted infiltration of Tureta town after acting on credible intelligence.

He said the soldiers engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee.

Aerial surveillance later tracked the fleeing suspects to Sulubawa Gidan Kare village, where they were reportedly moving with abducted civilians and rustled livestock.

Troops subsequently launched a pursuit operation and encountered an ambush laid by the retreating gunmen, but fought through it and dispersed the attackers.

The operation led to the rescue of abducted victims, the recovery of rustled cattle, and the seizure of two motorcycles allegedly used by the criminals.

In a separate early morning operation in Katsina State, troops raided a suspected terrorist enclave in Matazu Local Government Area following intelligence reports.

The military said the surprise assault overwhelmed the camp, leading to a gun battle in which two terrorists were killed while others fled with gunshot wounds.

Recovered items included a PKT machine gun, an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, motorcycles, communication devices, and rustled livestock.

The military said the operations underscore ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and deny them freedom of action in the region.

Despite continued offensives, insecurity remains a major challenge in parts of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, and neighbouring states, where attacks and abductions persist.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA has, however, assured residents that sustained intelligence-led operations will continue until criminal groups are dismantled and lasting peace is restored across the North-West.