Operation Fansan Yamma Troops Foil Terrorist Attacks, Kill Notorious Commander in Zamfara, Katsina

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded fresh operational successes after foiling coordinated terrorist attacks, neutralising a notorious terrorist commander and recovering weapons during separate operations in Zamfara and Katsina states.

The operations, conducted on Monday, July 7, were disclosed in a statement by the Joint Task Force's Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 in Zamfara State acted on credible intelligence of an impending terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. Working in collaboration with local security volunteers, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, successfully repelling the attack and forcing the assailants to retreat with several casualties.

In a related operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers neutralised a notorious terrorist commander identified as Alhaji Tukur, said to be the younger brother of a terrorist kingpin, Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye. Several other terrorists reportedly sustained gunshot wounds before fleeing the scene.

The statement added that in another operation at Sabon Gari, also in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops swiftly mobilised following reports of terrorist activities in the area. On sighting the advancing soldiers, the terrorists abandoned their mission and fled into nearby bushes.

A follow-up exploitation of the area resulted in the neutralisation of one terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing criminals.

In neighbouring Katsina State, troops on a fighting patrol engaged terrorists along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area. The terrorists were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops and fled their positions.

Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition and one motorcycle.

Meanwhile, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA also recorded a major success after intercepting a large group of about 300 terrorists travelling on motorcycles from the Sunke–Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area in Gummi, Zamfara State.

Acting on credible intelligence, the Air Component deployed three aircraft to intercept the convoy. The terrorists reportedly attempted to take cover beneath trees after sighting the aircraft but were engaged in precision airstrikes that neutralised several of them, effectively thwarting what the military described as a planned attack on innocent civilians.

The Joint Task Force commended the Nigerian Air Force for the timely and decisive air interdiction, describing it as a significant blow to terrorist operations in the North-West.

It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal elements across the theatre, assuring residents of continued efforts to deny terrorists freedom of action, protect lives and property, and restore lasting peace and security in the region.