Troops kill three notorious terrorist leaders in Sokoto ambush

|By Adejumo Adekunle

…Operation triggers relief, jubilation across Sabon Birni communities
…Troops recover rifles, motorcycle in coordinated offensive

Troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have gunned down three high-profile terrorist kingpins during a precision ambush in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, dealing a major blow to bandit networks operating in the region.

The counteroffensive, which occurred on Thursday, July 25, between Mallamawa and Mazau villages in the Tsamaye/Mai Lalle axis, was confirmed by security analyst and counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday.

According to Makama, the slain terror commanders—Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, and Ali Yar Daribiyar—were neutralised while attempting to extort locals through illegal levies and ransom collection.

The swift action by the troops also led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles with magazines and a motorcycle used by the criminals. Sources close to the operation said the terrorists had infiltrated the area with a squad of armed foot soldiers when they ran into the military ambush.

Residents of Mai Lalle, Tsamaye, Rimaye, and other neighbouring communities in Sabon Birni and Goronyo LGAs reportedly erupted in celebration after news of the terrorists’ deaths spread.

“These terrorists have long tormented the communities with killings, kidnappings and extortion, so this success is a huge morale boost for the people,” one security source said.

The Nigerian military, working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante networks, has ramped up both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to flush out remaining criminal elements in the region.

Authorities have urged the public to cooperate by providing credible and timely intelligence that can support ongoing missions and help uncover terrorist enclaves.