By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Zamfara and Katsina states, neutralised a notorious terrorist commander and recovered arms and other combat equipment during separate operations conducted on July 7, 2026.
According to the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operations were carried out by troops of Sector 2 in collaboration with local security volunteers and supported by the Air Component of the operation.
Danja said troops in Zamfara State acted on credible intelligence indicating an imminent terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. He said the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, successfully repelling the attack and forcing the assailants to retreat with several casualties.
He added that in a related operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers neutralised a notorious terrorist commander, identified as Alhaji Tukur, who was said to be the younger brother of terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.
According to him, several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds and escaped from the scene.
The military spokesman disclosed that troops also responded to reports of terrorist activities at Sabon Gari in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, where the criminals fled into nearby bushes on sighting the advancing soldiers.
He said exploitation of the area led to the neutralisation of one terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing terrorists.
In Katsina State, Danja said troops on a fighting patrol encountered terrorists along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area.
He explained that the troops overpowered the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their position and flee, while follow-up operations led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition and one motorcycle.
The spokesman further disclosed that the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intercepted a large group of about 300 terrorists riding motorcycles along the Sunke–Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
He said intelligence reports indicated that the terrorists were moving to launch attacks on communities before three Nigerian Air Force platforms were deployed to intercept them.
According to him, the terrorists attempted to hide under trees after sighting the aircraft but were successfully engaged with precision airstrikes, disrupting the planned attack and inflicting heavy casualties.
Danja commended the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as a timely and decisive air interdiction that further degraded the operational capability of the terrorist group.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements across the North-West.
The military assured residents that troops would continue to deny terrorists freedom of action, protect lives and property, and work towards restoring lasting peace and security across the region.
Troops foil terrorist attacks in Zamfara, Katsina, kill notorious commander
