Nigerian troops thwart suspected attack and recover rifle in Kaduna

Troops of Nigeria’s Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have thwarted a suspected terrorist attack and recovered an AK-47 rifle during operations in Kaduna State, the task force said. The operations took place between September 23 and 24 in Kachia Local Government Area, according to Lt. Col.

Aliyu Danja, the task force’s media information officer. He said troops acted on intelligence about suspected terrorists moving through bushes near Rijana. Troops from Sector 1 mobilised to the area, laid an ambush and engaged the suspected terrorists after spotting them, Danja said.

A follow-up search led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and a magazine containing 13 rounds of ammunition. The soldiers also found a magazine carrier and a military jungle hat, according to the statement. The source material did not say whether any suspected terrorists were killed, wounded or arrested during the engagement.

In a separate operation on the same day, troops carried out a clearance operation in Awom village, also in Kachia. The operation was intended to deny terrorists and other criminal groups a safe haven in the community, Danja said. During that operation, troops arrested a suspected criminal identified as Jacob.

He was allegedly found carrying a fabricated pistol and seven rounds of ammunition. Danja said Jacob remained in military custody and was assisting an investigation. No further details about the investigation or the suspect’s alleged activities were provided.

The Joint Task Force theatre command commended the troops for what it described as vigilance, professionalism and a prompt response. Danja said the troops would continue offensive and clearance operations to disrupt terrorist activity, restrict criminal groups’ freedom of movement and protect communities in the joint operations area.