Troops Eliminate Terrorist in Zamfara, Arrest Suspected Kidnapper with AK-47 in Yobe
Troops of the Nigerian military have recorded fresh successes in ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations in the North-West and North-East, neutralising a suspected terrorist in Shinkafi Local Government Area and arresting a suspected kidnapper with an assault rifle in Damaturu.
Security sources said the operation in Zamfara was carried out on March 13 by troops of the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation FANSAN YANMA.
The troops of Combat Team 5 launched a deliberate clearance mission targeting suspected terrorist camps located at Tubali and Zangon Danmaka, following credible intelligence that armed bandits were using the locations as operational hideouts.
During the advance at Tubali, troops encountered the suspected terrorists and engaged them in a brief gun battle, forcing the criminals to retreat into nearby forested areas.
“One terrorist was neutralised during the engagement, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds,” a security source said.
Troops subsequently conducted exploitation operations in the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a motorcycle believed to belong to the fleeing terrorists.
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When the troops advanced to Zangon Danmaka, however, no contact was made as the suspected bandits were believed to have fled before the arrival of the security forces. Troops nonetheless maintained operational dominance in the area while carrying out patrols and surveillance to prevent the criminals from regrouping.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation in Yobe State, troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an assault rifle during a cordon-and-search exercise in Damaturu.
The operation, conducted at about 11:30 a.m. on March 12, involved troops working in collaboration with members of the Yobe State Hunters Group.
According to the sources, the security team carried out the operation at Sidiri Ngabarawa following intelligence reports about the presence of suspected criminal elements in the area.
During the exercise, troops apprehended a suspect identified as Ahmadu Malam, 30, a resident of Southern Ngabarawa..Items recovered from him included an AK-47 rifle bearing registration number HS3649 and an empty magazine.
Security officials said the suspect and the recovered weapon are currently in the custody of the 233 Battalion for preliminary investigation.
Authorities added that efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the suspected kidnapping syndicate believed to be operating in the area.
Military officials noted that the operations form part of sustained efforts by security forces to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks across northern Nigeria.
By PRNigeria
