Troops Foil Major Terror Attacks, Kill Notorious Bandit Commander in Zamfara, Recover Weapons in Katsina
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded significant victories against terrorist groups in Zamfara and Katsina States, thwarting coordinated attacks, neutralising a notorious bandit commander and recovering weapons and other combat equipment during separate operations.
The Military disclosed that the operations, carried out on Monday, July 7, 2026, also involved precision airstrikes that disrupted a planned large-scale terrorist invasion targeting communities in Zamfara State.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2 acted on credible intelligence indicating an imminent terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to the statement, Global Mirror News learnt that the troops swiftly mobilised alongside local security volunteers and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle. The coordinated response forced the attackers to retreat after suffering significant casualties.
In a related operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on local farmers neutralised Alhaji Tukur, identified as a notorious terrorist commander and younger brother of wanted terrorist kingpin, Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.
The Military said several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and fled into nearby forests.
The statement further revealed that in another operation at Sabon Gari, also within Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops responded promptly to reports of terrorist activities. Upon sighting the advancing soldiers, the terrorists abandoned their mission and escaped into surrounding bushes.
A subsequent clearance operation led to 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 along the Danmusa-Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area engaged another group of terrorists in a gun duel. The troops overpowered the attackers, forcing them to abandon their positions and flee.
Security forces later recovered two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition and one motorcycle from the scene.
In what the Military described as a demonstration of effective air-land operational synergy, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA also intercepted a large group of about 300 terrorists riding on motorcycles from the Sunke-Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi, allegedly to launch attacks on innocent civilians.
Three air platforms were immediately deployed along the terrorists’ route. On sighting the aircraft, the terrorists attempted to seek cover under trees but were successfully engaged and neutralised through precision airstrikes.
The Military commended the Nigerian Air Force for the timely intervention, noting that the operation further degraded the operational capabilities of terrorist groups in the North-West.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements across the region, assuring residents that efforts would continue to deny criminals freedom of action, protect lives and livelihoods, and restore lasting peace and security in the North-West.
