Troops foil major terrorist incursion in Niger, neutralise dozens in joint operation
By: Zagazola Makama
In a remarkable display of tactical coordination and inter-state military synergy, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have successfully repelled a major terrorist advance from Zamfara into Niger State, neutralising scores of insurgents and recovering critical combat equipment.
The operation, which took place on July 22 near Inana village in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State, came after intelligence sources tracked a movement of armed terrorists from the Baban Doka axis of Maru Local Government Area in Zamfara, heading toward Ragada and Warari communities in Rijau.
Responding swiftly, joint troops from the Mariga and Zuru axes mobilised for a decisive counteroffensive, engaging the militants in a prolonged gun battle that effectively blunted their momentum.
The engagement was intense but successful. Our troops acted with courage and precision, supported from above by coordinated air strikes and real-time surveillance from the Air Component
At the end of the firefight, several terrorists lay dead, while others retreated in disarray. The troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, a magazine loaded with five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and no fewer than 18 motorcyclesoften used by the terrorists for fast mobility across forested terrains and rural communities.
Also retrieved were communication gadgets and other field equipment believed to have been used to coordinate the attempted cross-border incursion.
Military authorities believe the terrorists intended to carry out mass cattle rustling, ambush operations, and community disruptions in the remote Rijau corridor. However, the rapid response from the Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) thwarted the plot.
The operation was not without sacrifice. One soldier was reported killed in the line of duty, underscoring the high price paid by security forces to safeguard rural communities from increasingly mobile terrorist cells.
