By Saminu Ibrahim
(SINL NIGERIA) Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA have disrupted coordinated terrorist attempts to unleash attacks across parts of Zamfara and Katsina States.
Specifically, the troops neutralized nine fighters including two key kingpins during a series of operations conducted between May 1 and 3, 2026.
According to a statement on Sunday signed by Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations
8 Division, Army / Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba said the operations, which spanned multiple locations in the two North-West states, also led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, several rounds of ammunition, and nine motorcycles, in what military authorities described as a significant blow to terrorist networks in the region.
“In Katsina State, troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Fudma encountered armed terrorists along the Turare–Yantumaki Road in Dutsinma Local Government Area while on a fighting patrol” Osoba said.
Continuing, he said a fierce gun battle ensued, during which four terrorists were neutralized. “Troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, ammunition, two motorcycles, seven mobile phones, and ₦153,000 from the scene”.
Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, troops operating from FOB Bagega carried out a series of high-risk engagements in Anka Local Government Area. Between May 2 and 3, forces successfully neutralized five additional terrorists, including two notorious kingpins identified as Anaruwa and Gomina. Anaruwa was reportedly the younger brother of Kachalla Idi Aiki, a known terrorist commander in the region.
According to the statement, the initial encounter on May 2 saw troops engage fleeing terrorists along the Bagega–Anka Road, forcing four of them to abandon their motorcycles. However, the insurgents regrouped and launched a counterattack on the Bagega base.
The statement maintained that “troops, reinforced by additional combat teams and backed by precision air support from the Air Component, repelled the assault. During the counteroffensive, three terrorists were neutralized, and troops recovered two AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines and seven motorcycles”.
The statement added that in a follow-up operation on May 3, troops intercepted and neutralized two more terrorists on motorbikes in the same general area, saying despite the operational success, one soldier was killed in action during the engagements.
