…Five gallant soldiers pay supreme price
Troops of Operation Fasan Yamma (OPFY) have recorded a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry in the North-West, intercepting ransom payments, rescuing kidnapped victims, recovering rustled livestock, and neutralizing several terrorists during a series of coordinated operations across Zamfara and Sokoto States.
According to a statement issued by Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer of OPFY, the operations were conducted between 8 and 10 September 2025, targeting terrorist hideouts and smuggling routes in Shinkafi, Gusau, Bukkuyum, and Tureta Local Government Areas (LGAs).
₦23 Million Ransom Seized in Zamfara
The operations began with coordinated offensives along the Shinkafi–Katuru–Galadi–Tubali axis, where troops from 1 Brigade Forward Operating Base, Shinkafi, and a Mobile Strike Team stormed terrorist enclaves in the Galadi and Tubali forests, forcing the criminals to flee with gunshot wounds.
During a stop-and-search operation at Katuru Bridge along Shinkafi–Katuru–Isa Road, troops intercepted three suspects with ₦8.7 million in cash, believed to be ransom money. Later the same day, two additional suspects were caught in a black Toyota Corolla with another ₦15 million.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the funds were ransom payments for abducted locals, collected by terrorists operating near the Nigeria–Niger Republic border.
The suspects and exhibits have since been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
Kidnap Victims Rescued, Livestock Recovered
In a simultaneous operation under Sector 2 OPFY, troops ambushed terrorists transporting stolen livestock from Talata Mafara (Zamfara) and Tureta (Sokoto) to their camps in Bagega and Furagirke forests.
The swift operation led to the rescue of eight kidnapped victims and the recovery of 21 sheep in Anka LGA. In the Tureta axis, troops recovered 143 rustled sheep.
The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families, while the recovered livestock were handed over to the chairmen of Bakura and Tureta LGAs for appropriate action.
Six Terrorists Neutralized, Five Soldiers Killed
While on a routine patrol along the Lilo–Kofi Road in Gusau LGA, troops from 1 Brigade Forward Operating Base Lilo came under heavy terrorist fire. In the ensuing gun battle, six terrorists were neutralized, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
Tragically, five gallant soldiers lost their lives during the encounter — three were killed in action, while two others succumbed to injuries sustained during the clash.
Military Vows to Sustain Pressure
Captain Adewusi reaffirmed the military’s determination to sustain aggressive operations until terrorism and banditry are completely stamped out from the region.
He urged residents of Zamfara, Sokoto, and neighboring states to support the armed forces by providing timely and credible information to help track down criminal elements.
“Operation Fasan Yamma remains committed to restoring peace and normalcy to the North-West and parts of the North Central. The sacrifices of our fallen heroes will not be in vain,” Captain Adewusi said.
The latest successes mark a significant win for security forces in the region, even as the fight against terrorism and banditry continues.
