Troops kill nine ‘terrorists’ in foiled Zamfara, Katsina attacks
Several terrorists have been killed in a strike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Abasu Aiki’s hideout in Dan-Aji Forest, Faskari Local Government Area, Katsina State, NAF’s spokesperson Air
Several terrorists have been killed in a strike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Abasu Aiki’s hideout in Dan-Aji Forest, Faskari Local Government Area, Katsina State, NAF’s spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed yesterday.
The troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA also announced the killing of nine suspected terrorists including two kingpins, thus scuttling planned attacks by insurgents on Katsina and Zamfara communities.
In a statement, Commodore Ejodame said that the air raid was carried out on May 1. The operation, according to him, was conducted following “sustained and credible intelligence reports” indicating renewed terrorist activity in the area.
He added that further intelligence confirmed that the location served as a logistics hub and transit point for fighters loyal to Abasu Aiki, “who have been implicated in repeated attacks on communities and security forces across the Faskari, Kankara and Funtua axis of Katsina State.”
He said that while acting on the intelligence, NAF air assets identified armed terrorists on motorcycles alongside other fighters within the enclave and executed a swift and coordinated strike on both the terrorists and their support structures.
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“Battle Damage Assessment confirmed that several terrorists were neutralised, while the logistics hub and associated structures were destroyed, triggering explosions and widespread fires,” the NAF spokesman said.
According to him, the successful operation significantly disrupted terrorists’ movement and supply chain within the area.
“It underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s sustained resolve to deny terrorists safe havens, dismantle their operational networks, and support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the region,” the NAF’s spokesperson said.
Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, who announced that killing of the suspected terrorists, added that the troops recovered firearms and logistics allegedly belonging to the criminals.
The operations, he said, were carried out between May 1 and yesterday.
The statement reads: “In Katsina State, troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Fudma, while on fighting patrol on the Turare - Yantumaki Road in Dutsinma Local Government Area, engaged terrorists in a gun battle.
“Four of the assailants were neutralised, while troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, two motorcycles, seven mobile phones and N153,000.
Lt.-Col. Osoba said that troops also recorded major success in Zamfara State during operations in Anka Local Government Area, where seven terrorists, including two notorious kingpins identified as Anaruwa and Gomina, were neutralised.
He identified Anaruwa as a younger brother to Kachalla Idi Aiki, a known terrorist commander.
According to the statement, troops of FOB Bagega initially engaged armed terrorists along the Bagega-Anka Road on May 2, forcing them to abandon motorcycles and retreat. The terrorists later regrouped and launched a counterattack on the base.
“With reinforcement from additional combat teams and support from the Air Component, the troops repelled the attack. A second wave of eight terrorists on four motorcycles was engaged, leading to the neutralisation of three of them,” the Army spokesman said.
He added that troops recovered two AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines and seven motorcycles during the operation.
Lt.-Col. Said: “In a follow-up operation on May 3, troops encountered two more terrorists on motorcycles in the same area and neutralised them”.
He, however, confirmed that one soldier was killed during the operations, adding that troops have since consolidated their positions in Bagega to prevent further attacks and reassured residents of the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Lt.-Col. Osoba urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
