Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have killed three suspected terrorists during a gun battle in Kadam Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The operation, carried out by the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion 7 in collaboration with the 8 Division Strike Team, followed intelligence reports that a large group of armed fighters had gathered in the forest to plan attacks and kidnappings in surrounding communities.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the development in a statement on Monday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba.
Osoba said troops launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence that more than 100 terrorists had converged in the forest.
“The operation was initiated following credible intelligence indicating that over 100 terrorists had converged deep within Kadam Forest to coordinate attacks and kidnappings on local communities and transport their kidnapped victims to their strongholds,” he said.
Troops engaged the terrorists around 12 noon, leading to an intense firefight. “The ensuing firefight was fierce and sustained.
When the terrorists attempted a rear-flanking manoeuvre, troops responded with superior firepower, effectively neutralising the threat and maintaining tactical dominance throughout the engagement,” Osoba said.
Subsequent clearance operations confirmed the killing of three terrorists, while several others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
Troops also recovered weapons and equipment, including one PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, 350 rounds of PKT ammunition, 111 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three magazines, two communication radios, three motorcycles, and a mobile phone.
READ ALSO: PICTORIAL: Military Destroys Terror Cell, Kills One, Recover Arms In Sokoto
“Follow-on operations are ongoing to confirm additional enemy casualties and recover further materiel,” Osoba added, noting that troop morale remains high.
He said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint security operations in disrupting terrorist activities in the North-West.
“Aggressive patrols and sustained offensive operations continue across the general area to exploit this success, disrupt fleeing terrorist elements, and prevent their regrouping,” he said.
Sokoto State, particularly border communities in Tangaza, Gudu, and Illela Local Government Areas, has witnessed increasing attacks by armed groups in recent months.
Many of the attacks have been linked to the Lakurawa terror network, which is believed to operate across the Nigeria–Niger border using dense forests as operational bases.
The military has intensified operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle the group’s camps, rescue kidnapped victims, and restore security across the North-West region.