Zamfara: Troops Kill Suspected Terrorist, Seize Phones and Cash in Shinkafi

Troops operating under Operation Fansan Yamma have reportedly neutralised a suspected terrorist during a counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operation in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The operation was carried out by personnel of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, as part of intensified efforts to disrupt the activities of armed groups operating across the North-West.

According to military sources, the troops, deployed around the Galadi axis of Sokoto State, encountered suspected terrorists travelling on motorcycles as they attempted to cross a road in Shinkafi LGA.

The troops reportedly opened fire on the group, killing one of the suspects, while the other members escaped from the scene and fled into the surrounding area.

A subsequent search of the deceased suspect reportedly uncovered a woodland-pattern camouflage vest concealed beneath his traditional kaftan, raising further suspicion about his alleged affiliation with an armed group.

Military sources said further examination of a mobile phone recovered from the suspect produced photographs purportedly showing him dressed in camouflage and holding what appeared to be a PKM machine gun.

In addition to the phone linked to the deceased suspect, the troops reportedly recovered three other mobile phones during the operation, bringing the total number of devices seized to four.

The soldiers also recovered N30,350 in cash from the suspect, according to the military sources.

The recovered devices and other items are expected to assist security personnel in ongoing intelligence gathering and efforts to identify possible links between the deceased suspect and wider terrorist or bandit networks operating in the region.

The encounter forms part of continuing military operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks, restricting their movements and degrading their operational capabilities across Zamfara, Sokoto and other parts of the North-West.

Security forces have continued to rely on intelligence-driven patrols, surveillance and targeted operations as part of the broader campaign against terrorism and banditry in the region.

The latest operation underscores the security forces’ ongoing efforts to deny armed groups freedom of movement while gathering intelligence that could support subsequent operations against their networks and collaborators.