The army confirmed the death of Soldiers, neutralize Terrorists, intercepts cash, logistics and rescue victims in an encounter

From A. A Chakwa, Gusau

The Nigerian Army Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) have another recorded major breakthrough in its onslaught against terrorism and banditry in recent security operations conducted in parts of Zamfara and Sokoto States.

The Media Information officer of the joint task force OPFY Captain David Adewusi stated that, the troops intercepted terrorist logistics comprising ransom money of over twenty-three million naira, recovered over one hundred and sixty rustled livestock, and neutralized terrorists during series of coordinated and successive operations across Shinkafi, Gusau, Bukkuyum Local Government Areas (LGA) all in Zamfara state and Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

“The operation commenced with coordinated offensives along the Shinkafi – Katuru – Galadi -Tubali axis, where troops of 1 Brigade Forward Operating Base Shinkafi and Mobile Strike Team OPFY cleared terrorists’ hideouts within the forested areas of Galadi and Tubali villages with many of the bandits escaping with gunshot wounds. Captain David said.

Similarly, the same troops conducted stop-and-search operations at Katuru Bridge along Shinkafi – Katuru road in Zamfara state leading to Isa in Sokoto State where three suspects were initially intercepted with the sum of Eight Million Seven Hundred Thousand Naira.

Same day, the troops also succeeded in intercepting two more suspects in a black Toyota Corolla with the sum of Fifteen Million Naira.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the monies were ransoms for locals abducted along Nigeria borders with Niger Republic by terrorists hibernating within Shinkafi axis. Meanwhile, the exhibits and suspects have been handed over to appropriate agencies for further investigation. Captain David said.

A statement by the Media Information officer of the joint task force OPFY Captain David Adewusi said, In a parallel effort, troops of OPFY operating in Anka Local Government in Zamfara state and Tureta LGA of Sokoto states under Sector 2 OPFY ambushed terrorists moving livestock rustled from Talata Mafara in Zamfara and Tureta in Sokoto to their enclaves at Bagega Forest and Furagirke Forest.

“The criminals fled with gunshot wounds, abandoning 8 kidnapped victims and 21 sheep in the Anka axis while 143 rustled sheep were recovered by the troops operating in the Tureta axis. The Media Information officer said.

Captain David Adewusi further revealed that, the rescued persons were reunited with their families while the recovered livestock were handed over to the Local Government Chairmen of Bakura and Tureta of Zamfara and Sokoto states respectively for further action.

In a related development, the Army troops of 1 Brigade Forward Operating Base Lilo in Gusau LGA came under heavy terrorist fire while on patrol around Lilo – Kofi Road in the same LGA. Following the fierce battle, the troops neutralized six terrorists forcing the rest to flee in disarray.

“Sadly, three soldiers paid the supreme price, while two others who were critically wounded later succumbed to their injuries. The statement read.

The OPFY has reaffirmed its resolve to sustain relentless operations until terrorism and banditry are eradicated.

Captain David Adewusi urged members of the public to support the security forces by providing timely and credible information to restore peace across the North West and parts of the North Central.