Troops Thwart Terrorists Plot to Cause Havoc in Zamfara, Katsina, Neutralize 2 Bandits Kingpin, 7 Others

From Babangida Abdullahi, Gusau

The Nigerian Army Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma Neutralised 2 Bandits Kingpin in a series of operations conducted in the last three days.

The troops successfully neutralized 9 terrorists including 2 kingpins and recovered 4 AK-47 rifles , 9 motorcycles across Katsina and Zamfara States.

A statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Army/Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma said, in Katsina State troops of Forward Operating Base Fudma while on a fighting patrol encountered terrorists along Turare–Yantumaki Road In Dutsima LGA of Katsina State.

Lt. Col. Olaniyi said, the troops neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered 2 AK-47 rifles with 2 magazines and some quantities of ammunition as well 2 motorcycles, 7 mobile phones and the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand Naira ( ₦153, 000)

Also in a separate simultaneous Operation in Zamfara State, the troops at Forward Operating Base Bagega executed a high-stakes operation in Anka Local Government Area resulting in the neutralization of seven terrorists including 2 notorious kingpins identified as Anaruwa and Gomina.

Anaruwa was the younger brother of Kachalla Idi Aiki, a known terrorist commander.

Lt. Col. Olaniyi further said, during the first Operation, the troops of Bagega Forward Operating Base engaged terrorists along the Bagega–Anka Road in a firefight.

‘The initial clash forced 4 armed terrorists on 2 motorcycles to retreat, abandoning their motorbikes. However, the terrorists regrouped and launched a counterattack on Forward Operating Base Bagega. Lt. Col. Olaniyi said.

Following reinforcement by various combat teams and supported by precision airstrike from the Air Component, the troops repelled the assault as a second wave of 8 terrorists on 4 motorcycles was engaged, resulting in the neutralization of 3 terrorists.

“During exploitation troops recovered 2 AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines and 7 motorcycles. Olaniyi said.

During a follow-on operation on 3 May 2026 troops encountered 2 additional terrorists on motorbikes in the same area who were neutralized on the spot. Tragically, one soldier paid the ultimate sacrifice during the operation.

Troops have consolidated their presence in Bagega, maintaining dominance over the area to prevent further threats.

Lt. Col. Olaniyi reaffirms the dedication of Operation Fansan Yamma troops in protecting citizens and urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.