OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA TROOPS REPEL TERRORIST ATTACKS, NEUTRALISE NOTORIOUS COMMANDER IN ZAMFARA AND KATSINA
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks, neutralised a notorious terrorist commander, and recovered arms and other combat equipment during separate operations conducted in Zamfara and Katsina States.
According to the military, troops of Sector 2 responded to credible intelligence indicating plans by terrorists to attack communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. Working alongside local security volunteers, the troops engaged the attackers in a gun battle, repelled the assault, and forced the terrorists to retreat with casualties.
In a related operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers neutralised Alhaji Tukur, identified as a notorious terrorist commander and younger brother of the terrorist kingpin, Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye. Several other terrorists reportedly sustained gunshot wounds and fled the area.
In another operation at Sabon Gari, also within Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops mobilised after receiving reports of terrorist activities. The terrorists reportedly fled into nearby bushes on sighting the advancing troops. A follow up exploitation operation led to the neutralisation of one terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing suspects.
In Danmusa Local Government Area, troops on a fighting patrol engaged terrorists along the Danmusa to Yantumaki axis. The military said the troops overpowered the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their position and flee. A subsequent search of the area resulted in the recovery of two AK 47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition, and one motorcycle.
The military also disclosed that the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA disrupted a planned large scale terrorist attack after receiving intelligence that about 300 terrorists travelling on motorcycles were moving from the Sunke and Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi.
Three Nigerian Air Force aircraft were deployed to intercept the convoy. On sighting the aircraft, the terrorists reportedly attempted to disperse and seek cover under trees but were engaged with precision airstrikes, resulting in the disruption of the planned attack.
The Joint Task Force commended the Nigerian Air Force for the operation, describing it as a demonstration of effective air and ground coordination that further degraded terrorist capabilities in the North West.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal groups, while assuring residents of continued efforts to protect lives, secure communities, and deny terrorists freedom of movement across the region.
