Troops Intercept N23m Ransom, Rescue Victims, Neutralize Terrorists in Zamfara and Sokoto
Troops of Operation Fasin Yamma (OPFY) have recorded significant gains in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry, intercepting ransom payments worth over N23 million, rescuing kidnapped victims, recovering more than 160 rustled livestock, and neutralizing several terrorists in coordinated operations across Zamfara and Sokoto States.
The operations, carried out between 8 and 10 September 2025, covered parts of Shinkafi, Gusau, Bukkuyum (Zamfara State) and Tureta (Sokoto State).
In one of the operations, troops of 1 Brigade Forward Operating Base Shinkafi and a Mobile Strike Team cleared terrorist hideouts around Galadi and Tubali villages. During a stop-and-search operation at Katuru Bridge along the Shinkafi–Katuru–Isa Road, soldiers intercepted three suspects with N8.7 million, and later the same day, two more suspects were arrested with N15 million inside a Toyota Corolla. Preliminary findings revealed the funds were ransom payments for locals abducted near the Nigeria–Niger border. The suspects and exhibits were handed over to the relevant authorities for investigation.
Similarly, troops under Sector 2 OPFY ambushed terrorists moving stolen livestock through Anka (Zamfara) and Tureta (Sokoto). The criminals fled after heavy gunfire, abandoning eight kidnap victims and 21 sheep in Anka, while troops in Tureta recovered 143 rustled sheep. The victims were reunited with their families, and the livestock handed over to local government authorities.
Meanwhile, troops of 1 Brigade FOB Lilo in Gusau came under heavy fire while on patrol along the Lilo–Kofi Road. In the ensuing battle, six terrorists were neutralized. However, the Nigerian Army confirmed that three soldiers were killed in action, while two others later died from injuries sustained.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal networks until terrorism and banditry are completely stamped out. It also urged residents of the North West and North Central to continue supporting military operations by providing timely and credible information.
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