Troops operating under Operation Fansan Yamma have arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators and destroyed terrorist hideouts in Kaduna and Katsina states during operations conducted on 27 and 28 August.
The operations also led to the recovery of two locally fabricated firearms, 13 rounds of ammunition, an RPG-7 tube, a motorcycle, mobile phones and other items, according to the Military Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja.
Danja said troops in Sector 1 first acted on intelligence that led to the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator in Kaduna State.
Two locally fabricated guns and 13 rounds of ammunition were reportedly found concealed in a bag belonging to the suspect.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly told investigators that he had been assigned to deliver the weapons and ammunition to another person.
Troops subsequently followed the information and arrested two more suspects allegedly linked to the movement of the weapons.
The three suspects and the recovered items have been handed over for further investigation, Danja said.
Terrorist enclaves destroyed in Katsina
In Katsina State, troops from Sector 2, working with other security agencies, carried out a clearance operation against suspected terrorist hideouts around Maharba and Karaduwa in Matazu Local Government Area on 28 August.
The operation resulted in the destruction of the identified enclaves and other structures allegedly used to facilitate terrorist activities in the area.
Troops also targeted a hideout linked to Kachalla Muhammadu Filani, a suspected terrorist leader whose group has been accused of terrorising communities in Matazu and Musawa local government areas.
Danja said Filani narrowly escaped as troops moved towards the enclave.
Further searches of the area resulted in the recovery of an RPG-7 tube, a motorcycle, mobile phones and other items believed to be connected to the terrorists.
Troops then carried out additional patrols across the area to prevent the regrouping or movement of the terrorists.
The military said the operations form part of its wider effort to disrupt terrorist networks, cut off their access to weapons and logistics and deny them safe locations from which to operate.
Danja said the Joint Task Force would continue to rely on intelligence-led and coordinated operations to weaken terrorist groups and improve security in affected communities.
