Troops of Operation FANSAN Yamma (OPFY) have recorded significant successes in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry by intercepting ransom payments, rescuing kidnapped victims, recovering stolen livestock, and neutralizing terrorists in Zamfara and Sokoto States.
According to a statement issued by Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer of OPFY, the operations were carried out between 8 and 10 September 2025 across Shinkafi, Gusau, Bukkuyum, and Tureta Local Government Areas.
It says during the operations, troops intercepted terrorist logistics, including over ₦23 million suspected to be ransom payments, recovered more than 160 rustled livestock, and rescued kidnapped victims.
The statement explains that, the operations began with coordinated offensives along the Shinkafi Katuru–Galadi–Tubali axis.
Troops of the 1 Brigade Forward Operating Base, Shinkafi, in collaboration with the Mobile Strike Team, cleared terrorist hideouts in Galadi and Tubali villages, forcing several bandits to flee with gunshot wounds.
In a related operation, soldiers conducting a stop-and-search at Katuru Bridge along the Shinkafi–Katuru–Isa Road intercepted three suspects with 8.7 million naira and Later the same day, troops arrested two more suspects in a Toyota Corolla carrying 15 million naira.
According to the statement, Preliminary investigations revealed that the money was ransom collected from locals abducted along Nigeria’s border with Niger Republic. The suspects and exhibits have since been handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation.
The statement Further reveals that, In another coordinated effort, troops of Sector 2 OPFY operating in Anka and Tureta Local governments ambushed terrorists transporting rustled livestock from Talata Mafara and Tureta.
“The criminals abandoned their captives and livestock after sustained gunfire.
The operation led to the rescue of eight kidnapped victims, the recovery of 21 sheep in Anka, and 143 rustled sheep in Tureta. The rescued victims were reunited with their families, while the livestock were handed over to the Local Government Chairmen of Bakura and Tureta for appropriate action.
Meanwhile, troops on patrol at Lilo–Kofi Road in Gusau Local government came under heavy terrorist fire in which six terrorists were neutralized.
Unfortunately, three soldiers lost their lives, while two others later died from injuries sustained during the operation.
It reaffirmed the Operation commitment to sustaining the momentum until terrorism and banditry are completely eradicated.
The Force urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to help restore lasting peace across the North West and parts of the North Central.
REL/AMINU DALHATU
