U.S-backed airstrikes cripple terrorists in Sokoto, Army confirms
The Nigerian Army has confirmed a major operational success following a United States–led airstrike on Lakurawa terrorist hideouts in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
A credible source at the Army Headquarters disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that the strike was part of ongoing operations within the 8 Division/Sector 2 Area of Responsibility under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
According to the source, troops of Combat Intelligence Battalion VII, acting on credible intelligence regarding terrorist movements along the Kaurau axis, coordinated with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) to engage terrorist camps located in the Bauni Forest, near Waria and Alkassim villages, on December 25.
The source added that follow-up patrols conducted on December 26 confirmed widespread destruction of the terrorist positions, significantly degrading their operational capacity.
“In a related operation, troops of 1 Brigade, Combat Team 12, deployed at Forward Operating Base Jabo in Kebbi State, recovered debris believed to be remnants of unmanned aerial devices and missile components in Kajiji town, Tambuwal Local Government Area,” the source said.
He noted that preliminary assessments by the Nigerian Army’s Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME) team identified some of the items as fuel boosters from Tomahawk missiles, each weighing about 300 kilogrammes and capable of penetrating soft ground to a depth of up to two metres.
The Nigerian Army assured members of the public that investigations are ongoing to safely recover remaining missile components and urged residents to promptly report any suspicious objects to security agencies.
The Army also reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups while safeguarding lives and property across northern Nigeria.
