Soldiers Stop Attack, Free Kidnapped Victims in Sokoto and Katsina

Soldiers from the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have stopped a terrorist attack, freed abducted civilians, and seized weapons in separate operations in Sokoto and Katsina states, the military announced on Monday.

The operations took place in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto and Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina. These efforts come as the military works hard to tackle ongoing attacks, kidnappings, and cattle theft in the North-West region.

In a statement, Aliyu Danja, a lieutenant colonel and Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said soldiers stopped armed terrorists from entering Tureta town after receiving intelligence reports.

He said the soldiers fought back against the attackers, making them abandon their mission and run away. "The vigilant troops engaged the criminals, forcing them to abandon their sinister mission and flee," Mr Danja said.

The military spokesperson added that aerial surveillance later spotted the fleeing suspects in Sulubawa Gidan Kare village. They were reportedly moving with kidnapped civilians and stolen livestock.

The soldiers quickly launched a pursuit operation and ran into an ambush set up by the fleeing gunmen. "Acting promptly, the troops launched a hot pursuit. Despite encountering a hastily mounted ambush by the retreating terrorists, the troops displayed exceptional courage and superior firepower, fighting through the ambush and compelling the criminals to scatter," he stated.

According to the military, this operation resulted in freeing the kidnapped victims, recovering stolen cattle, and seizing two motorcycles that the attackers used.

In another operation carried out early on Sunday, soldiers raided a suspected terrorist camp in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. The military said the operation, based on intelligence, overwhelmed the camp's occupants and led to a gunfight.

"The surprise assault completely overwhelmed the terrorists. During the ensuing firefight, two terrorists were neutralised, while several others fled the scene with varying degrees of gunshot wounds," Mr Danja said.

The soldiers reportedly recovered a PKT assault rifle, an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, three motorcycles, communication devices, and stolen livestock. The military said these items were likely used to support criminal activities in the area.

These recent operations come amid rising security worries in Sokoto and Katsina states. In eastern Sokoto, communities in Sabon Birni, Isa, Goronyo, and nearby local government areas have faced repeated attacks from armed groups in recent months.

Concerns have grown due to reports of renewed movements by fighters linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and warnings of potential attacks in the Sokoto-Zamfara border area. In Katsina, the military has stepped up operations in Matazu and nearby areas after a series of attacks and the kidnapping of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who later died in captivity.

The Nigerian military previously launched Operation CLEAN SWEEP III in Matazu and surrounding areas to dismantle bandit camps and restore security.

Mr Danja said the latest operations show the military's commitment to keep pressure on armed groups in the region. "These recent victories show the unwavering determination, professionalism, and resilience of the troops of JTF North-West Operation FANSAN YAMMA in taking the fight directly to the enclaves of terrorist and criminal elements," he said.

"We assure the public that aggressive operations will continue to dismantle all terrorist networks, deny them freedom of action, and restore lasting peace and security across the North-West region."

Despite ongoing military efforts, attacks, kidnappings, and cattle theft continue to be major security problems in Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, and nearby states. This has led to renewed calls for better intelligence gathering and protection for vulnerable rural communities.