Troops of the Nigerian military have arrested a suspected father-and-son duo allegedly linked to the Lakurawa terrorist group in Sokoto State, while another terrorist was neutralised during a separate operation in Katsina State.
The operations, conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma, also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, ammunition, a motorcycle and other items suspected to be connected to terrorist activities.
The military disclosed that the suspects, identified as Muhammadu Ali and Umaru Ali, were apprehended on November 11 during an intelligence-led operation at Bauni Forest in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Preliminary investigations reportedly established that the two suspects are father and son and are suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group.
Items recovered from them included an AK-47 rifle, one magazine, three rounds of ammunition and N9,760 in cash.
The suspects have been taken into military custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a related operation a day earlier, troops of Sector 1 intercepted armed terrorists allegedly preparing to attack residents of Bada’u Gora in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation followed intelligence reports indicating the presence of armed criminals in the area and their alleged plans to launch attacks against members of the community.
Acting on the information, the soldiers established an ambush along a suspected route frequently used by the terrorists.
The military said an exchange of gunfire followed when the armed men encountered the troops, resulting in the neutralisation of one terrorist.
The soldiers recovered another AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing six rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle and three mobile phones from the scene.
No casualty was recorded among the troops during the engagement.
Confirming the operations in a statement on Thursday, the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, said the military remained committed to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring security across the North-West.
He urged residents to strengthen their cooperation with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence on suspicious movements and activities in their communities.
The latest operations underscore the military’s continued efforts to disrupt the activities of armed groups operating across Katsina and Sokoto states, particularly through intelligence-driven patrols, ambushes and targeted offensives.
Operation Fansan Yamma reaffirmed its determination to rid its joint operations area of terrorists and protect lives and property.
