From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism and banditry in Zamfara and Sokoto States, intercepting ransom payments running into millions, recovering rustled livestock, rescuing kidnapped victims, and neutralising terrorists in a string of operations.
According to a statement signed by Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer of OPFY, the coordinated operations were conducted between Sunday, September 8, and Tuesday, September 10, across Shinkafi, Gusau, Bukkuyum, and Tureta Local Government Areas of Zamfara and Sokoto States.
During the raids, troops intercepted ransom money totalling over 23 million naira, believed to have been paid for abducted locals. They also recovered more than 160 rustled livestock, rescued eight kidnapped victims, and neutralised several terrorists.
The statement disclosed that troops launched offensives along the Shinkafi–Katuru–Galadi–Tubali axis, clearing terrorist hideouts around Galadi and Tubali villages of Sokoto. Many bandits reportedly fled with gunshot wounds.
In a separate operation at Katuru Bridge along the Shinkafi–Katuru–Isa Road, troops intercepted three suspects in possession of 8.7 million naira. Later the same day, two more suspects were arrested in a black Toyota Corolla with 15 million naira.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the funds were ransom payments for victims abducted along Nigeria’s border with Niger Republic. The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation.
While in Anka and Tureta LGAs of Zamfara and Sokoto States, Sector 2 OPFY troops ambushed terrorists moving stolen livestock from Talata Mafara and Tureta towards their hideouts in Bagega and Furagirke forests.
“The criminals, forced to flee after heavy fire, abandoned eight kidnapped victims and 21 sheep in the Anka axis. In Tureta, troops recovered 143 rustled sheep. The victims have since been reunited with their families, while the livestock were handed over to the Local Government Chairmen of Bakura and Tureta,” the statement read.
“Meanwhile, troops on patrol in Lilo–Kofi Road, Gusau LGA, came under heavy terrorist fire. In the fierce gun duel, six terrorists were neutralised, while others escaped.”
Unfortunately, the military also recorded casualties in the encounter, with three soldiers killed in action and two others critically wounded who later died.
Captain Adewusi stressed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to sustaining pressure until terrorism and banditry are eradicated.
He urged members of the public to support security forces by providing timely and credible information to help restore peace across the North West and parts of the North Central.