Troops of the 8 Division Strike Force operating under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have recorded significant successes in a major offensive against terrorist enclaves in Katsina State, neutralising several notorious bandit kingpins and recovering a cache of weapons and other items.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Monday, June 22, targeted criminal hideouts within the Ginchawa, Fafu, and Matazu forests as part of the ongoing Operation CLEAN SWEEP aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks in the North-West.
Military sources disclosed that the troops launched aggressive raid operations on identified bandit strongholds, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted several hours.
During the engagement, the troops maintained sustained pressure on the terrorists, displaying tactical professionalism and superior firepower that forced the criminals to retreat in disarray.
The troops subsequently pursued the fleeing bandits, neutralising several key kingpins while consolidating gains made during the operation.
A follow-up exploitation of the battlefield led to the recovery of two PKT machine guns, one AK-47 rifle with magazines, three motorcycles, two mobile phones, communication radios, large quantities of assorted ammunition, rustled livestock, and other sundry items.
Notably, no casualties or equipment losses were recorded among the troops during the operation.
Following the successful raid, troops intensified follow-up operations to deny the remaining criminal elements freedom of movement and to flush out fleeing terrorists and bandits from adjoining forests and hideouts.
Military authorities stated that the operation underscores the determination of Sector 2 troops to sustain offensive actions against all criminal elements within the area of responsibility
“The morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain high as operations continue to restore peace and security across the North-West region,” the military source added.
