By Heapnews
Troops of Sector 2 under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have killed nine suspected militants, including two key commanders, and recovered weapons and motorcycles during a series of operations in northwestern Nigeria, the army said.
In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the operations were conducted between May 1 and May 3, 2026, across parts of Katsina and Zamfara states.
In Katsina State, troops from the Forward Operating Base in Fudma encountered armed fighters along the Turare–Yantumaki Road in Dutsima Local Government Area during a patrol. Four militants were killed in the ensuing firefight, while soldiers recovered two AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, two motorcycles, seven mobile phones and ₦153,000 in cash.
Separately, in Zamfara State, troops operating from the Forward Operating Base in Bagega carried out what the army described as a high-risk operation in Anka Local Government Area between May 2 and May 3. The operation resulted in the killing of several militants, including two alleged kingpins identified as Anaruwa and Gomina. The army said Anaruwa was a younger brother to Kachalla Idi Aiki, a known militant commander in the region.
According to the statement, an initial encounter on May 2 forced four militants on motorcycles to retreat and abandon their bikes. The fighters later regrouped and launched a counterattack on the Bagega base.
Reinforced by additional combat teams and supported by airstrikes, troops repelled the assault and engaged a second group of attackers riding motorcycles, killing three of them. Weapons and seven motorcycles were recovered during follow-up operations.
On May 3, troops encountered and killed two more suspected militants in the same area.
The army said one soldier was killed during the operations.
Troops have since reinforced their presence in Bagega and continue to maintain control of the area to prevent further attacks, the statement said, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.