Nigerian troops kill suspected terrorist and rescue six in separate operations

Nigerian troops have killed a suspected terrorist in Sokoto State and rescued six members of the same family during a separate operation in Zamfara, according to the Nigerian Army. Troops from Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma raided a suspected terrorist hideout near Karani village in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State after receiving intelligence about terrorist activity in the area, the army said. The troops engaged the group after making contact.

One suspected terrorist was killed, while other members fled into a nearby forest, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesman for the 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba. The soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with live ammunition, a motorcycle, military camouflage uniforms, maintenance tools and other logistical supplies, the statement said. Troops then began clearance operations in the surrounding forest to prevent the fleeing suspects from regrouping.

Osoba said the operation demonstrated the determination and capability of Operation Fansan Yamma to disrupt terrorist activity and restrict the movement of armed groups in the area. He also said six people were rescued by troops in Gudu Local Government Area during the operation. In Zamfara State, troops from the 17 Brigade, also operating under Operation Fansan Yamma, responded to reports of an attack in Tsafe Local Government Area.

The soldiers engaged the armed attackers, who fled and abandoned the six family members, according to the army. The rescued people were unharmed and taken to a safe location for care before being reunited with their relatives. The army described both operations as part of continuing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt kidnapping attempts and improve security in Nigeria’s North-West.