Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intensified offensive operations across Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, recording significant successes with the arrest of suspected drug traffickers, the neutralisation of terrorists and the recovery of weapons, illicit drugs and operational equipment.
Security sources told SpyeTV News that troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Goronyo arrested two suspected drug peddlers during an operation in Achida, Sokoto State, at about 6:25 a.m. on July 13.
According to the sources, the troops recovered quantities of cannabis, a pack of tramadol tablets, a jackknife, one motorcycle and two mobile phones from the suspects.
The suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The sources noted that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks believed to be supporting criminal and terrorist activities in the North-West.
In a separate operation, troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tudun Bichi neutralised two suspected terrorists during a gun battle at Mokurata Village in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The troops reportedly responded to intelligence on terrorist activities in the area at about 11:20 a.m., leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire with the armed suspects.
Following the engagement, two terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered one motorcycle and a Baofeng handheld radio believed to have been used by the criminals.
Military sources, however, disclosed that one soldier armed with a PKT machine gun and an AK-47 rifle was reported missing in action during the operation. Search efforts have since been intensified to locate the missing soldier while pursuing the fleeing terrorists.
Meanwhile, troops of the Headquarters, Operation FANSAN YAMMA Mobile Strike Team (MST), also engaged suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The operation, conducted at about 12:46 p.m. on July 13, saw troops clear the Katuru Galadi–Tsibiri axis before advancing to Tubali Village, where they came under attack from suspected terrorists.
A gun battle followed, forcing the terrorists to flee into the surrounding bush. During the subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered one motorcycle believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
Military authorities said the coordinated operations underscore the continued determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle terrorist networks, deny criminal elements freedom of movement and restore security across the North-West region.
Source: By Zagazola Makama
