Separate security operations in Katsina and Sokoto States resulted in the neutralisation of one suspect and the arrest of two others, as part of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
Two AK-47 weapons, ammo, a motorbike, cell phones, and cash were also retrieved during the operations.
The operations were conducted on November 10 and 11 in response to intelligence reports, according to a statement released on Thursday by Captain Tamuno Sinivie, the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force.
Troop 1 of Sector 1 got credible information on armed terrorists near Bada’u Gora in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State on November 10, according to the statement.
According to him, the forces set up an ambush along the terrorists’ expected path of travel since they were intending an attack on community people.
According to the report, the soldiers confronted the armed gang and managed to neutralise one terrorist during the encounter.
In addition to a motorcycle and three cell phones, the statement listed an AK-47 weapon, one magazine, and six rounds of ammunition as retrieved items. No military troops were injured or killed during the operation, according to the military.
Meanwhile, on November 11, soldiers from Sector 2 in Sokoto State’s Tangaza Local Government Area apprehended two individuals they believed to be terrorists during an operation that was backed by information.
According to the military, the suspects were found to be in possession of three rounds of ammo, one magazine, another AK-47 rifle, and N9,760.
Preliminary investigations have linked the two individuals arrested—a father and son named Muhammadu Ali and Umaru Ali—to the Lakurawa terrorist group, according to the statement.
The statement states that the suspects are still in military custody while investigations are underway in preparation for potential prosecution.
The mission of Operation FANSAN YAMMA has been reaffirmed: to safeguard the lives and property of Northwest citizens by eliminating terrorist threats within its operational region.
The military also issued a call to arms, urging the public to back security forces by reporting suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods in a timely and reliable manner.