The Nigerian Army has announced that its troops neutralised at least 11 terrorists during a major operation in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, a region that has long suffered from violent attacks by armed groups. The operation, carried out under Operation Fansan Yamma Strike, prevented a planned assault on Tara Village, a community the military described as “a critical area for cross-movement by terrorist and bandit elements.”
The army revealed the development in a statement posted on its official Facebook page, noting that the operation was supported by an intelligence-driven airstrike and a ground ambush that targeted armed groups operating near Kurawa Village.
The latest success adds to a series of ongoing military operations aimed at restoring security across the North-West, where communities have endured years of banditry, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.
According to the statement, troops acting on “precise and credible intelligence” launched a coordinated ambush on the terrorists. The attackers had reportedly assembled around Kurawa Village with the intention of launching an attack on Tara Village, one of several communities repeatedly targeted in the region.
“Acting on precise credible intelligence, the strike team executed a well-coordinated ambush, engaging the bandits in an intense firefight,” the army said.
The operation led to the neutralisation of 11 terrorists, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. The army did not disclose whether any troops were injured in the exchange but described the mission as a “bold and tactical success.”
Military sources have said that ambush operations like this one have become more frequent in recent months, as security forces work to dismantle bandit networks that rely on forest hideouts and cross-border routes between Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic.
During the operation, troops recovered a significant cache of weapons. Items seized include:
8 AK-47 rifles
5 additional magazines
26 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
The army says the recovered weapons show the level of firepower available to these groups and underline the need for continuous surveillance and intelligence-based strikes.
Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, and parts of Niger State have faced persistent violence from bandits and terror groups over the past decade. Communities in these states have suffered frequent attacks on villages, mass abductions, destruction of farmlands, and killings that have displaced thousands.
Sabon Birni, where the latest operation took place, is one of the worst-hit areas in Sokoto State. Many villages in the local government area have been abandoned due to recurring attacks. Some communities have had to rebuild several times after bandits destroyed homes and food stores.
The federal government has launched multiple military operations in the zone, including Operation Hadarin Daji, Operation Thunder Strike, and more recently, Operation Fansan Yamma, which focuses on aggressive strikes and disruption of bandit movements.
Despite these efforts, security challenges remain due to the difficult terrain, vast forests such as the Rugu and Kamuku forests, and the ability of armed groups to move across porous international borders.
The Nigerian Army said it remains committed to pursuing terrorists and bandits throughout the North-West and praised the troops for their “courage, resilience, and commitment to restoring peace.”
It added that more intelligence-driven operations will be launched to prevent attacks before they occur—an approach that military experts say is more effective than responding after communities have already been hit.
The army encouraged residents to continue sharing information that may help security forces track movements of criminal groups. Cooperation with locals has been particularly important in rural areas where terrain and limited road access make surveillance difficult.
While the neutralisation of 11 terrorists marks a significant victory for the military, security experts caution that lasting peace in the region will require more than military force. They point to the need for improved governance, economic opportunities, access to education, and the rebuilding of trust between local communities and the government.
Many residents of the North-West rely on farming and livestock, but years of insecurity have forced people to abandon farmlands, contributing to food shortages and rising prices across Nigeria. Some analysts argue that unless communities can safely return to farming, the region will continue to face long-term challenges.
However, successful operations like this one—especially those that prevent planned attacks—offer a sense of relief for communities that have lived under constant fear.
As Operation Fansan Yamma continues, the army says its focus remains on blocking supply routes, clearing bandit hideouts and using intelligence and technology to track criminal networks.
