Troops Flush Out Terrorists in Sokoto and Recover Weapons Cache

Nigerian troops have driven terrorist elements from positions in the Magarya forest in Sokoto State and recovered a cache of weapons and equipment abandoned during the retreat.

The operation involved the COAS Special Intervention Battalion 7, Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA. Soldiers moved through Manu, Alkasim and Kandam villages before advancing into the Magarya forest axis, described by security sources as a major hideout for armed groups in Tangaza and neighbouring communities.

Acting Army Public Relations officer Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba said troops made contact with the terrorists inside the forest and engaged them with superior firepower. The fighters abandoned their positions and fled deeper into the forest, after which soldiers carried out follow-up sweeps and searched the surrounding area.

The recovered items included a PKT general-purpose machine gun, AK-47 rifles and a large quantity of 7.62 x 54mm belted ammunition. Troops also found motorcycles and other logistical equipment used to support operations in the area.

Military authorities said the recovery of the heavy weapon and ammunition would weaken the group’s ability to attack villages and move along border routes into Sokoto and neighbouring states. Operation FANSAN YAMMA was launched to build on efforts against banditry and terrorism across northwestern Nigeria, with patrols and clearance missions continuing in the Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina areas. The military said it would maintain surveillance and fighting patrols while shifting toward mopping-up operations and intelligence-led raids against the fleeing fighters.