During coordinated land and air operations in Zamfara and Katsina states, the Operation FANSAN YAMMA has recorded another major breakthrough in its North-West counter-terrorism campaign, thwarting multiple coordinated attacks, neutralising a notorious terrorist commander, disrupting a 300-man motorcycle convoy, and recovering assault rifles and ammunition
This was revealed by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja in a press statement, Tuesday.
Je said the intelligence-led operations carried out on July 7, 2026, dealt a significant blow to terrorist networks planning attacks on farming communities and rural settlements across the theatre.
Lt Col. Danja Said the most significant operation involved the interception of about 300 terrorists riding on motorcycles as they moved from the Sunke–Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi in Zamfara State.
He said credible intelligence revealed that the heavily armed convoy was mobilising to launch coordinated attacks on innocent civilians, prompting the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to deploy three combat aircraft along the terrorists’ route.
Lt Col Danja explained that the terrorists attempted to evade detection by dispersing beneath trees after sighting the aircraft, but the air assets tracked their movement and executed precision strikes that neutralised the fleeing fighters and successfully foiled the planned assault.
He described the operation as another demonstration of the growing effectiveness of joint air and ground operations in dismantling terrorist infrastructure across the North-West.
On the ground, Lt Col Danja said troops of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, acting on credible intelligence, swiftly mobilised to stop an impending terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Supported by local security volunteers, the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce firefight, forcing them to retreat with heavy 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 wanted terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.
Several other members of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds after the encounter.
Lt Col Danja further disclosed that troops mounted another operation in Sabon Gari, also within Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, after receiving intelligence on fresh terrorist activities.
The advancing soldiers forced the terrorists to abandon their mission and flee into surrounding bushes, while follow-up clearance operations led to the elimination of one additional terrorist and the recovery of one motorcycle used by the fleeing criminals.
In Katsina State, troops on a fighting patrol along the Danmusa–Yantumaki corridor overwhelmed another terrorist cell during an armed confrontation, compelling the insurgents to abandon their position.
Subsequent exploitation of the area resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition, and one motorcycle, further weakening the operational capability of the fleeing terrorists.
Lt Col Danja said the latest offensives underscore the sustained momentum of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in dismantling terrorist networks through intelligence-driven operations, rapid troop deployment and coordinated air support.
He reaffirmed the Joint Task Force’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations across the North-West, stressing that troops would continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, safeguard farming communities and protect lives and livelihoods until lasting peace and security are restored across the region.
