Troops rescue 36 Benue indigenes in Cross River community

Troops of the joint task force North-West, operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed two suspected Lakurawa terrorists and recovered weapons during an operation that disrupted an alleged planned attack on Sabarumawa community in Kebbi state.

The operation was carried out on June 27 by troops of Sector 2 under the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion 7 after intelligence reports indicated that armed terrorists were preparing to strike the community.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the media information officer of the joint task force, said troops swiftly deployed to the area and laid an ambush along the route the suspects were expected to use.

“The successful operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the terrorists were planning an attack on the Sabarumawa community. Acting swiftly on the information, troops mobilised to the area and established a tactical ambush along the terrorists’ suspected route of advance in order to foil the planned attack,” Danja said.

According to him, the suspects ran into the ambush and engaged the troops in a gun battle before they were overpowered.

“As the terrorists approached the ambush position, the troops engaged them with overwhelming firepower, resulting in a fierce gun battle. The superior combat effectiveness of the troops forced the terrorists into disarray, with two of the terrorists neutralised, while the remaining members of the group fled into the surrounding forest,” he added.

The military recovered two AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 magazines, 143 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle from the scene.

Danja said Operation FANSAN YAMMA would continue sustained offensives against terrorist groups and other criminal elements operating across the North-West.

“Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens and sustaining offensive operations against all terrorist and criminal elements operating across the North West,” he said.

He also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.