Troops Kill Two Lakurawa Terrorists in Sokoto, Recover AK-47 Rifles and 62 Rustled Livestock in North-West Raids

A fresh military offensive in Nigeria’s North-West has left two suspected Lakurawa terrorists dead after troops stormed their position during a failed attack on a government facility in Sokoto State.

The operation, carried out under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and dozens of rustled livestock across coordinated missions in Sokoto and Katsina states.

Military authorities say the breakthrough followed a distress call about an attempted arson attack on a Nigerian Immigration Service facility in Ruwa Wiri village, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle. The confrontation ended with two suspected terrorists killed, while others reportedly fled after encountering superior firepower.

Following the clash, soldiers combed the area and recovered two AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and a motorcycle believed to have been used by the attackers.

In a separate operation in Katsina State, troops on patrol in Jibia Local Government Area intercepted armed men suspected of rustling cattle in the Danya Bakwai settlement.

Security forces engaged the group, forcing them to abandon their loot and escape. Authorities later confirmed the recovery of 62 rustled livestock, which were returned to their rightful owners through local traditional leadership.

The military said the animals were formally handed over at the palace of the Daddara District Head in Jibia, reinforcing coordination between security forces and community structures in the region.

Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 8 Division and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said the operations reflect ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks across the North-West.

He noted that troops responded rapidly to intelligence and distress signals, preventing what could have escalated into further attacks on security infrastructure.

The army reaffirmed its commitment to sustained operations against armed groups, particularly in Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kebbi states, where insecurity has remained persistent despite repeated military offensives.

Residents have also been urged to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, as authorities intensify efforts to disrupt criminal networks operating across rural communities.