Soldiers raid terrorist hideouts in Sokoto, recover weapons

Troops of the COAS Special Intervention Battalion 7, Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have dislodged terrorist elements and recovered weapons, ammunition and motorcycles during a clearance operation in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The operation was conducted as part of ongoing offensive operations aimed at clearing terrorist enclaves and restoring security to communities across the North-West.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesman of Sector 2, 8 Div, Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, the troops advanced through identified terrorist threat enclaves, including Manu, Alkasim and Kandam villages, as well as the Magarya Forest axis.

The statement said the troops made contact with the terrorists within the Magarya Forest, leading to an exchange of fire.

“Upon making contact with the terrorists within the Magarya forest enclave, troops engaged the terrorist elements with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their positions and flee into the deep forest,” the statement said.

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Following the engagement, the troops conducted follow-up operations and a thorough search of the area, resulting in the recovery of a PKT machine gun, AK-47 rifles and a large quantity of 7.62 x 54mm belted ammunition.

The troops also recovered several motorcycles and assorted logistical and miscellaneous items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.

The military said the recovery of the weapons and mobility assets would further degrade the terrorists’ operational capability in the area.

It added that the troops had maintained a strong operational posture and continued to dominate the general area to prevent the terrorists from regrouping and safeguard surrounding communities.

“The troops continue to dominate the general area to ensure the total security of surrounding communities,” the statement added.