Troops operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have overrun terrorist positions in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, forcing the occupants to retreat and leaving behind weapons and other equipment.
The operation was carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army’s COAS Special Intervention Battalion 7, Sector 2, as part of intensified efforts to disrupt terrorist activities across the North-West.
Military sources said the troops moved into several locations identified as terrorist threat areas following intelligence on armed groups operating in the region.
The locations included Manu, Alkasim and Kandam villages, alongside the Magarya forest axis.
According to the source, troops encountered terrorists inside a forest enclave at Magarya and engaged them during the clearance operation.
The terrorists reportedly abandoned their positions and withdrew farther into the forest following the encounter.
Troops then launched a follow-up search of the abandoned positions and surrounding areas.
The exercise resulted in the recovery of a PKT machine gun, AK-47 rifles, a large quantity of 7.62 x 54mm belted ammunition and several motorcycles.
Other logistical materials believed to be associated with the terrorists were also recovered.
The military source described the recovery as significant, particularly because of the firepower provided by the weapons and ammunition.
The motorcycles, the source said, were believed to have been used by the terrorists to navigate forest routes and reach remote settlements.
The troops have since maintained a sustained presence around the affected locations, conducting patrols and additional operations to prevent the terrorists from regrouping.
The latest operation comes amid increased military activity across the North-West, where security forces are seeking to disrupt armed groups responsible for attacks, abductions and other criminal activities.
Military authorities warned terrorists and their collaborators still operating in the area to abandon their activities.
They said troops would continue pursuing the groups and working to dismantle their operational networks.
The authorities also assured residents that security forces would sustain efforts to protect lives and property while restoring confidence in communities affected by insecurity.
The operation is part of the broader military campaign to deny terrorist groups access to forest enclaves that could serve as bases for attacks and logistical operations.
