Troops Foil Coordinated Terror Attacks, Kill Notorious Commander as Airstrikes Hit 300 Armed Terrorists in North-West

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

The military also disclosed that the Air Component of the operation thwarted an attempted large-scale terrorist assault after intercepting about 300 armed terrorists travelling on motorcycles towards communities in Zamfara State.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops acting on credible intelligence successfully disrupted an imminent terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The troops, working alongside local security volunteers, engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat with what the military described as heavy casualties.

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

The military said troops also responded to reports of terrorist activities in Sabon Gari, also in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. On sighting the advancing soldiers, the terrorists abandoned their operation and escaped into nearby bushes. Troops subsequently neutralised one terrorist and recovered a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing suspects.

In neighbouring Katsina State, troops conducting a fighting patrol along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area engaged another group of terrorists in a gun battle.

According to the statement, the troops overpowered the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandon their position. A follow-up search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines containing 25 rounds of ammunition and one motorcycle.

In what the military described as a demonstration of effective air-land coordination, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intercepted a convoy of about 300 terrorists riding motorcycles from the Sunke–Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi.

The military said three air platforms were deployed after receiving credible intelligence on the movement. The terrorists reportedly attempted to hide beneath trees after spotting the aircraft but were engaged with precision airstrikes, preventing what the military said was a planned attack on innocent civilians.

The Joint Task Force commended the Nigerian Air Force for the operation, describing the air interdiction as timely and decisive in degrading terrorist capabilities.

It reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal groups across the North-West while assuring residents that security forces remain determined to protect lives, secure communities and restore lasting peace across the region.