Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA have thwarted planned terrorist attacks in parts of Katsina and Zamfara States, neutralizing nine insurgents, including two key kingpins, during coordinated operations conducted between May 1 and 3, 2026.
The military disclosed that the operations, carried out across multiple locations, also led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, several motorcycles, and other items believed to have been used
In Katsina State, troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Fudma, while on a fighting patrol along the Turare–Yantumaki Road in Dutsinma Local Government Area, encountered armed terrorists. Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said the troops engaged the attackers in a firefight, killing four of them.
He added that troops recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines, ammunition, two motorcycles, seven mobile phones, and a sum of ₦153,000 from the scene.
In a separate but related operation in Zamfara State, troops at FOB Bagega conducted a series of engagements in Anka Local Government Area between May 2 and 3. The operations resulted in the killing of seven 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, troops initially engaged four terrorists on motorcycles along the Bagega–Anka Road on May 2, forcing them to abandon their bikes and retreat. The attackers later regrouped and launched a counterattack on the FOB.
However, reinforced by additional combat teams and supported by precision airstrikes from the Air Component, troops repelled the assault. A second wave of eight terrorists riding four motorcycles was engaged, with three of them neutralized. Troops subsequently recovered two additional AK-47 rifles and seven motorcycles during exploitation operations.
On May 3, troops carried out a follow-on operation in the same area, where they encountered and neutralized two more terrorists on motorcycles.
Despite the operational success, the military confirmed that one soldier was killed in action during the engagements.
Troops have since strengthened their presence in Bagega and surrounding areas to forestall further attacks. The military reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
