Troops kill two Lakurawa suspects in Sokoto operation

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have killed two suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group during a counter-terrorism operation in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The operation, carried out alongside other offensives in Sokoto and Katsina states, also led to the recovery of arms and dozens of rustled livestock.

The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 8 Division and Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

He said the operations were part of sustained military efforts aimed at flushing out terrorists and bandits operating across the North-West.

According to Osoba, troops were mobilised after receiving intelligence that suspected Lakurawa fighters were attempting to burn down a Nigerian Immigration Service facility in Ruwa Wiri village, Tangaza LGA.

He explained that soldiers confronted the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire, killing two of them, while others escaped.

“In Sokoto State, troops responded swiftly to a distress call reporting an attempt by Lakurawa Terrorist Group terrorists to set fire to a Nigerian Immigration Service facility at Ruwa Wiri Village in Tangaza Local Government Area.

“The troops made contact with the terrorists, neutralising two terrorists in the ensuing firefight, while others fled due to overwhelming firepower,” he said.

Osoba added that troops later searched the area and recovered “two AK-47 rifles, several rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle.”

In another operation in Katsina State, troops on patrol intercepted suspected terrorists allegedly moving stolen livestock through Danya Bakwai settlement in Jibia Local Government Area.

Military pressure reportedly forced the suspects to abandon the animals and flee the area.

“Troops deployed in Jibia LGA of Katsina State, while on fighting patrol, encountered terrorists moving with herds of rustled livestock at Danya Bakwai Settlement.

“The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon 62 rustled livestock,” Osoba stated.

The recovered animals were subsequently returned to their owners during a handover ceremony held at the palace of the Daddara District Head in Jibia.

The army spokesperson reiterated the resolve of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustain the campaign against terrorism and banditry across the region.

“Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to eradicating terrorism and banditry in the region,” he said.

He also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information.

Military authorities have stepped up offensives against criminal groups in the North-West following recurring attacks on communities, security formations and incidents of cattle rustling blamed on armed bandits and the Lakurawa group.

In recent months, coordinated operations have been conducted across Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi states as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore security in affected communities.