Troops raid terrorist enclave in Sokoto, recover high-calibre weapons

Troops raid terrorist enclave in Sokoto, recover high-calibre weapons

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s COAS Special Intervention Battalion 7, Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have dislodged terrorist elements from a forest enclave in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, recovering a PKT machine gun, AK-47 rifles, ammunition, motorcycles and other logistical items.

The operation was conducted as part of the ongoing military offensive to clear terrorist hideouts, restrict the movement of armed groups and strengthen security across communities in the North-West. The latest operation took place on Saturday, with troops advancing through identified areas considered to be terrorist threat enclaves.

According to the military, the troops moved through Manu, Alkasim and Kandam villages before advancing towards the Magarya Forest axis, where they encountered the terrorists.

The encounter resulted in an exchange of fire, with the Army saying its troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower and forced them to abandon their positions and flee deeper into the forest.

The troops subsequently conducted follow-up operations and a thorough search of the area, leading to the recovery of a cache of weapons, ammunition and mobility assets believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.

The recovered items included one PKT machine gun, AK-47 rifles and a large quantity of 7.62 x 54mm belted ammunition. Several motorcycles and assorted logistical and miscellaneous items were also recovered during the operation.

The recovery of the weapons represents a setback for the armed group operating in the area, as the military said the seized arms and mobility assets would further degrade the terrorists’ operational capability.

The motorcycles are believed to have been used by the armed group to move through the difficult terrain around the forest and access remote communities.

Following the operation, troops maintained a strong presence in the area and continued patrols and follow-up activities aimed at preventing the terrorists from regrouping or returning to the cleared locations.

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The Army said its troops were continuing to dominate the general area to protect surrounding communities and prevent the armed group from re-establishing its operational base.

The operation is part of the wider Operation FANSAN YAMMA campaign, which has continued to target terrorist and other armed groups operating across the North-West.

The military has increasingly relied on clearance operations and intelligence-led offensives to disrupt armed groups, recover weapons and deny them access to forest corridors and other locations used as hideouts.

The latest operation in Sokoto State also comes amid broader military efforts across the North-West to reduce attacks, kidnapping and other violent crimes affecting rural communities.

The Army said the continued presence of troops in the affected area was intended to prevent the fleeing terrorists from regrouping and to safeguard nearby communities.

Residents were also urged to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist troops in tracking armed groups and preventing further attacks.

The military assured communities in the affected areas that operations would continue as part of efforts to restore lasting security and enable residents to carry out their daily activities without fear.

The latest development is another setback for the terrorists operating in the Tangaza and Magarya Forest axis, following the loss of their position and the recovery of weapons and mobility assets.

The Army said troops would sustain the offensive and continue efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and deny them safe havens across the North-West.

Troops raid terrorist enclave in Sokoto, recover high-calibre weapons