Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have achieved a significant breakthrough in the ongoing battle against terrorism and banditry in Zamfara and Sokoto States, intercepting ransom money totaling over ₦23 million, recovering more than 160 rustled livestock, and neutralizing several terrorists during a series of coordinated operations.
The daring operations, conducted between September 8 and 10, 2025, spanned Shinkafi, Gusau, Bukkuyum, and Tureta Local Government Areas, with security forces executing swift offensives that disrupted terrorist supply chains and liberated abducted victims.
The first phase of the operation unfolded along the Shinkafi–Katuru–Galadi–Tubali axis. Troops from 1 Brigade Forward Operating Base Shinkafi and the Mobile Strike Team of OPFY stormed terrorists’ camps in Galadi and Tubali forests, forcing many criminals to flee with gunshot wounds. During a stop-and-search at Katuru Bridge, soldiers intercepted three suspects carrying ₦8.7 million. Hours later, another team apprehended two men in a black Toyota Corolla transporting ₦15 million. Investigations confirmed both sums were ransom payments for locals kidnapped near Nigeria’s border with Niger Republic. The suspects and seized funds have since been handed over to the relevant agencies.
In parallel strikes, OPFY troops in Anka (Zamfara) and Tureta (Sokoto) ambushed terrorists moving rustled livestock toward their strongholds in Bagega and Furagirke forests. The criminals fled under fire, abandoning eight kidnapped victims and 21 sheep in Anka, while 143 sheep were recovered in Tureta. The rescued victims have been reunited with their families, and the livestock handed to the respective local government chairmen for safekeeping.
Meanwhile, in Gusau Local Government Area, troops on patrol around Lilo–Kofi Road encountered heavy fire from terrorists. In the ensuing battle, six terrorists were neutralized. However, the clash came at a painful cost as three gallant soldiers were killed in action, while two others who sustained critical injuries later succumbed.
OPFY leadership reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the momentum until terrorism and banditry are eliminated from the North West and parts of North Central. The Nigerian public was urged to support security agencies with credible intelligence to strengthen the drive toward lasting peace.
By Folake Sokoya
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