Troops of Operation FANSAR YAMMA (OPFY) have killed three notorious terrorist commanders in an ambush between Mallamawa and Mazau villages in the Tsamaye/Mai Lalle axis of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
The operation, carried out on Thursday, 25 July, was aimed at intercepting the terrorists as they moved to collect ransom payments and illegal levies from residents of the affected communities.
Counterinsurgency expert and security analyst Zagazola Makama, who reported the incident on Saturday, identified the neutralised commanders as Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu and Ali Yar Daribiyar.
Security sources confirmed that the ambush led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines and a motorcycle used by the assailants.
The gang, accompanied by several foot soldiers, had been extorting residents across Sabon Birni and Goronyo LGAs before their plans were disrupted by the troops.
The successful strike has sparked widespread relief and celebration in Mai Lalle, Tsamaye, Rimaye and neighbouring communities, many of which have endured repeated attacks, abductions and extortion by the gang leaders.
Residents voiced renewed confidence in the ongoing military campaign, describing the operation as a pivotal moment in efforts to contain insurgent violence in the area.
Troops, working with local vigilantes and other security agencies, have stepped up both kinetic and non-kinetic operations across Sokoto State to eliminate the remaining terrorist enclaves.
This was disclosed in a statement circulated through multiple security sources, calling on citizens to provide timely and credible intelligence to strengthen ongoing counterterrorism operations in the North-West.
Military authorities have reaffirmed their resolve to sustain pressure on criminal groups while dismantling operational bases and financial networks that fuel armed violence in the region.
The Sokoto ambush marks one of the most recent in a series of coordinated offensives targeting high-value terrorist operatives across the state.