Troops of the COAS Special Intervention Battalion 7, working with the 8 Division Strike Team under the Joint Task Force North West’s Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised suspected terrorists during a major security operation in Kadam Forest in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Military authorities said the operation targeted a terrorist network believed to be affiliated with the Lakurawa group operating in the area.
According to the statement, troops launched the mission after receiving credible intelligence that more than 100 terrorists had gathered deep inside Kadam Forest to coordinate attacks and kidnappings in nearby communities.
The intelligence report also indicated that the group planned to transport kidnapped victims to their strongholds within the forest.
Troops mobilised quickly to intercept the group and established contact with the terrorists at about 12:00 p.m., triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
During the confrontation, the terrorists reportedly attempted a rear-flanking manoeuvre, but the troops responded with what officials described as superior firepower, maintaining tactical control throughout the engagement.
Following the clash, troops conducted exploitation operations within the forest, confirming the neutralisation of three terrorists, while several others were believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
Security forces also recovered a cache of weapons and equipment, including one PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, 350 rounds of PKT ammunition, 111 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three magazines, two communication radios, three motorcycles and a mobile phone.
Military authorities said follow-up operations are ongoing to confirm additional casualties among the fleeing terrorists and recover more weapons.
They added that troop morale remains high, with fighting efficiency described as strong, as security forces continue aggressive patrols and offensive operations across the area to prevent the regrouping of fleeing terrorist elements.
