Operation FANSAN YAMMA says its troops have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks, neutralized a notorious terrorist commander and recovered weapons during separate operations in Zamfara State and Katsina State.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Aliyu Danja, the operations were conducted on July 7.
In Zamfara state, troops of Sector 2, acting on credible intelligence, responded to reports of an impending terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Working alongside local security volunteers, the troops engaged the attackers in a gun battle, repelling the assault and forcing the terrorists to retreat with what the military described as several casualties.
The military also said troops responding to an attack on farmers around Dogon Kade killed a suspected terrorist commander identified as Alhaji Tukur, whom it described as the younger brother of alleged terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye. Several other suspected terrorists reportedly sustained gunshot wounds and fled the area.
In another operation at Sabon Gari, troops mobilized after receiving reports of terrorist activities. According to the statement, the suspects fled into nearby bushes upon sighting the advancing troops. A subsequent search operation led to the killing of one suspected terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle allegedly used by the group.
Meanwhile, in Katsina state, Sector 2 troops on a fighting patrol engaged suspected terrorists along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis. The military said the troops overpowered the group, forcing them to abandon their position and flee. A follow-up operation reportedly led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines containing 25 rounds of ammunition and one motorcycle.
The statement further disclosed that the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intercepted what it described as a large group of about 300 suspected terrorists on motorcycles moving from the Sunke–Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area and onward to Gummi.
The military said three air platforms were deployed to intercept the convoy. It stated that the suspects attempted to take cover under trees after spotting the aircraft but were successfully engaged in precision airstrikes, preventing what it described as a planned attack on civilians.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the Nigerian Air Force for what it described as a timely and decisive air interdiction, adding that the Joint Task Force remains committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal groups while protecting lives and restoring security across the North West.