The Nigerian Army's Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma of the Nigerian Army, have foiled terrorists’ plot to cause havoc, neutralising 11 suspected criminals, including two key kingpins.

During coordinated operations in Zamfara and Katsina States, and recovered a cache of weapons and other items during the missions.

In a late Sunday statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 8 Division, the intelligence-led attacks were carried out in a series of operations conducted between 1st and 3rd of May, leading to the successful neutralisation of terrorists, the recovery of 4 AK-47 rifles, and 16 motorcycles across the states.

The statement disclosed that the troops of Forward Operating Base Fudma, while on a fighting patrol, encountered terrorists along Turare–Yantumaki Road in Dutsima LGA of Katsina State.

The statement reads, “In the ensuing firefight, the troops neutralised 4 terrorists and recovered 2 AK-47 rifles with 2 magazines and some quantities of ammunition as well as 2 motorcycles, 7 mobile phones and the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand Naira ( ₦153, 000).”

In a separate Operation in Zamfara State between the 2nd and 3rd of May, the troops at Forward Operating Base Bagega executed a high-stakes operation in Anka Local Government Area resulting in the neutralisation of seven terrorists, including 2 notorious kingpins identified as Anaruwa and Gomina.

During the initial phase of the Zamfara operation on May 2, 2026, troops along the Bagega–Anka Road engaged armed terrorists.

This initial clash compelled four terrorists on two motorcycles to retreat, abandoning their bikes.

However, the terrorists regrouped and launched a counterattack on the Forward Operating Base Bagega.

Responding swiftly, the troops received reinforcements from various combat teams and crucial support from precision airstrikes delivered by the air component.

This combined effort enabled them to successfully repel the counterattack, and the second wave of eight terrorists, mounted on four motorcycles, was subsequently engaged, leading to the neutralisation of three more terrorists.

A follow-on operation conducted on May 3, 2026, in the same area resulted in the encounter and neutralisation of two additional terrorists on motorbikes.

Overall recoveries from the Zamfara operations included two AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines and seven motorcycles.

Tragically, one soldier paid the ultimate sacrifice during these intensive operations. Following these successful engagements, the troops have consolidated their presence in Bagega, ensuring continued dominance over the area to prevent future threats.

Operation Fansan Yamma reaffirms its unwavering dedication to protecting citizens and urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.