Nigerian Army has said its troops under the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised more than 50 suspected terrorists during a fierce operation in Maikujera village, Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State, recovering weapons and motorcycles.
The operation was carried out on Friday as part of ongoing efforts by the 8 Division to rid its area of operation of terrorist elements and other criminal groups.
According to military sources, the troops acted on credible intelligence indicating that a large group of terrorists, accompanied by hundreds of rustled cattle, was advancing towards Maikujera village.
The soldiers immediately moved to intercept the suspects but came under attack after the terrorists launched an ambush.
Despite the surprise assault, the troops responded with superior firepower, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun battle that reportedly left more than 50 terrorists dead. Several others escaped with gunshot wounds, abandoning the stolen livestock and fleeing the scene.
A follow-up search of the area led to the recovery of AK-47 rifles and three motorcycles believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
The intensity of the operation also caused the rustled cattle to scatter into surrounding areas. Troops, working alongside local vigilantes, have continued combing the area to locate and recover the wandering livestock.
Confirming the operation, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the 8 Division, Lt. Col. Osoba Olaniyi, described the encounter as a major operational success for the Nigerian Army and a significant setback for terrorist groups operating in the region.
He said further details of the operation would be made available in due course.
Reacting to the development, a resident of Rabah Local Government Area, Isah Abdullahi, commended the military for its swift intervention, saying the operation had brought relief to communities threatened by criminal activities.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, noting that such cooperation remains vital to improving security across the area.
