Troops of the 1 Division/Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) neutralized a suspected terrorist and foiled a banditry attempt during a tactical operation in the Maraban Rido area of Kaduna State on January 22 and 23.
The operation was initiated following a distress call reporting that armed bandits had rustled livestock from Anguwan Fulan village. According to a statement by Captain Bello Nuradeen, Acting Staff Officer Grade 2 Community Relations, Army Public Relations, troops responded by staging a snap ambush along the criminals’ withdrawal route.
The Encounter
Upon making contact in the Rido general area, troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat with gunshot wounds. Following the initial clash, troops conducted an aggressive search of the Kankomi forest, leading to a second engagement at a crossing point near Anguwan Sarki.
The high volume of fire from the Nigerian Army forced the terrorists to abandon their stolen livestock and flee into the forest.
Recoveries and Casualties
During a follow-up sweep of the ambush site in the early hours of January 23, troops confirmed:
- One terrorist neutralized.
- Two AK-47 rifles recovered.
- Four magazines and 15 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition seized.
- All rustled livestock recovered.
Official Commendation
Major General Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division and Commander of Sector 1 OPFY, praised the troops for their bravery and professionalism. He directed the units to maintain the momentum of operations to clear criminal hideouts in the region.
The GOC further reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to public safety and urged Kaduna residents to continue sharing timely intelligence with security agencies.
