Troops Intensify Offensive Against Terrorists’ Enclaves in North-West

By Brown Chimezie,

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified offensive operations against terrorist enclaves across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states, as part of efforts to protect communities and neutralize criminal elements operating in the North-West.
A statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army / Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said the renewed operations recorded significant successes within the week.
According to the statement, troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Intervention Battalion VII made two separate contacts with terrorists at Magonho Forest, where they eliminated three bandits and recovered three AK-47 rifles as well as motorcycles.

In Zamfara State, troops on March 25, 2026, successfully carried out an ambush along the Gada Maya–Makakari Village Road, neutralizing two terrorists and forcing others to flee in disarray.
Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 55 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one Baofeng radio set, two mobile phones, and one motorcycle.
Later the same day, the terrorists reportedly attempted a reprisal attack on Kaida Village, accusing residents of collaborating with security forces.

However, troops responded swiftly to the distress call, neutralized one additional terrorist, and recovered another AK-47 rifle.
In a separate operation, troops acting on credible intelligence conducted a clearance operation in Dutsi Village, Moriki District, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The operation forced the terrorists to flee under sustained military pressure, abandoning one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 26 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

In Kebbi State, troops received intelligence on the presence of the Lakurawa Terrorist Group (LTG) in Giron Masa Community, Shanga Local Government Area.
While moving to respond to the threat, troops were reportedly ambushed about 500 metres before reaching the village.
Despite the attack by the fleeing terrorists, the troops remained resolute, while reinforcements and combat enablers were immediately deployed to the area.

The statement added that intelligence-led operations are ongoing to track and neutralize the fleeing terrorists.
The 8 Division / Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, reaffirmed its commitment to dominating the operational environment, degrading terrorist capabilities, and protecting law-abiding citizens across the North-West.

“The morale of the troops remains high, and their actions continue to reflect the core values of courage, professionalism, and service to the nation,” the statement said.
It added that the Division would continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of communities in line with the strategic directives of the Chief of Army Staff.