Joint Task Force Foils Kebbi Attack, Eliminates Two Suspected Terrorists

Military personnel from Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, successfully neutralized two individuals identified as suspected Lakurawa terrorists. This operation, which also led to the recovery of firearms and ammunition, took place in the Sabarumawa area of Kebbi State on June 27. The mission was launched following intelligence reports that indicated the terrorists were planning an assault on the Sabarumawa community.

Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, released a statement on Sunday confirming these details. He explained that soldiers from the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion 7 were promptly deployed to the location, where they established a tactical ambush along a route believed to be used by the terrorists.

Danja reiterated that the success of the operation was due to 'credible intelligence indicating that the terrorists were planning an attack on the Sabarumawa community.' He further detailed the swift response, stating, 'Acting swiftly on the information, troops mobilised to the area and established a tactical ambush along the terrorists’ suspected route of advance in order to foil the planned attack.'

As the terrorists approached the ambush position, the troops initiated engagement, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. Lieutenant Colonel Danja further elaborated, 'As the terrorists approached the ambush position, the troops engaged them with overwhelming firepower, resulting in a fierce gun battle. The superior combat effectiveness of the troops forced the terrorists into disarray, with two of the terrorists neutralised, while the remaining members of the group fled into the surrounding forest.'

From the scene of the encounter, military personnel recovered two AK-47 assault rifles, two AK-47 magazines, 143 rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle.

Lieutenant Colonel Danja reaffirmed the armed forces' unwavering commitment to continuing offensive operations against terrorist organizations and other criminal elements operating across the North-West region. He stated, 'Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens and sustaining offensive operations against all terrorist and criminal elements operating across the North West.' He also appealed to the general public to consistently provide security agencies with timely and credible information to bolster ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.