Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have recorded fresh gains in the fight against terrorism, repelling coordinated attacks, killing a notorious bandit commander, and intercepting a large convoy of terrorists during separate operations in Zamfara and Katsina states.
The operations, carried out on July 7, were based on credible intelligence and supported by coordinated offensives involving ground troops and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja.
In Zamfara State, troops from Sector 2, alongside local security volunteers, acted on intelligence warning of an imminent attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. They engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, successfully driving them back and inflicting casualties.
During another operation near Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers killed a notorious bandit commander, Alhaji Tukur, who was identified as the younger brother of wanted bandit leader Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye. Several other terrorists were reportedly wounded before retreating.
Troops also responded to reports of terrorist activity in Sabon Gari, Kaura Namoda. The suspects fled into nearby bushes upon sighting the advancing soldiers. A follow-up search led to the killing of one terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing group.
In neighbouring Katsina State, troops on patrol along the Danmusa-Yantumaki route in Danmusa Local Government Area engaged another group of terrorists in a firefight. The military said the troops overwhelmed the attackers, who fled and abandoned their position. A search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle.
In what the military described as a major display of coordinated air and ground operations, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma intercepted a convoy of about 300 terrorists travelling on motorcycles from the Sunke-Kumbo axis toward the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi in Zamfara State.
According to the statement, three Nigerian Air Force aircraft were deployed after intelligence indicated the terrorists were mobilising for coordinated attacks on communities. The aircraft tracked the convoy and launched precision airstrikes after the terrorists attempted to scatter and hide beneath trees.
The military said the strikes neutralised several terrorists and foiled the planned attacks, although it did not disclose the exact number of casualties.
The Joint Task Force praised the Nigerian Air Force for its rapid response, describing the operation as a major setback for terrorist activities in the North-West.
It reaffirmed its resolve to sustain offensive operations against terrorists and other criminal groups, assuring residents that security forces remain committed to denying criminals freedom of movement, protecting lives and property, and restoring lasting peace across the region.
