The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations successfully repelled a terrorist ambush in Gwoza, Borno State, resulting in a fierce firefight. The operation led to the neutralization of several terrorists and the recovery of weapons.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja. He revealed that between April 3 and 10, 2025, numerous terrorists were eliminated, while suspected collaborators—including nine logistics suppliers—were apprehended. Troops also seized various supplies and the sum of “N235,330.00.”
Kangye added that the troops recovered large stockpiles of arms, including machine guns, RPG tubes, automatic rifles, locally made weapons, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
In another set of operations, troops working alongside Hybrid Forces conducted aggressive fighting patrols from April 4 to 8 in Buturam Village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State and Mai Dunamari in Kaga LGA of Borno State. These missions resulted in the death of several terrorists and the arrest of others.
The Defence Spokesman also announced a wave of surrenders by ISWAP/JAS fighters. From April 4 to 9, dozens of insurgents—including adult males, females, and children—turned themselves in to troops across various areas of operation, driven by sustained military pressure.
“In the North West, troops of Operation Fasan Yamma conducted fighting patrols and made contact with terrorists in Binji, Gudu, Sabon Birni and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Bakori and Kankara LGA of Katsina State.
“They conducted operations in Tsafe and Maradun LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Augie LGA of Kebbi State. During the encounters, several terrorists were neutralized, while some rescued kidnapped victims were rescued. Some weapons as well as assorted quantities of 7.62mm ammunition, livestock and motorcycles were also recovered.”
Kangye further explained that from April 4 to 10, troops responded to reports of terrorist activity in Binji, Isa, and Sabon Birni LGAs of Sokoto State, as well as Malumfashi and Matazu LGAs of Katsina State.
“During the encounters, some terrorists were neutralized, while arms and assorted kinds of 7.62mm ammunition and motorcycles as well as rustled cows were recovered from them.”
He also confirmed that based on actionable intelligence, troops arrested “2 suspected Lakurawa terrorist members in Arewa and Tangaza LGAs of Kebbi and Sokoto States on 6 and 9 April 2025.” During the arrest, troops recovered weapons, a motorcycle, beverages, and the sum of “N4,450.00.”
In addition to ground operations, the Air Component of Operation Fasan Yamma conducted precision airstrikes targeting a terrorist stronghold in Zango Hill, located in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. The air raids were aimed at dismantling the operations of a notorious terrorist kingpin.