Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have successfully stopped coordinated terrorist attacks in Zamfara and Katsina states during separate operations carried out on Monday, July 7. The military also eliminated a notorious terrorist commander and recovered several weapons and combat items, strengthening ongoing efforts to improve North-West security.
According to Lt Col Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, troops acted on reliable intelligence to stop an imminent attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Working alongside local security volunteers, they confronted the attackers in a fierce battle and forced them to retreat. He said, “Working alongside local security volunteers, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle and repelled the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat with several casualties.”
The operation also targeted terrorists attacking farmers around Dogon Kade, where troops killed the notorious commander Alhaji Tukur, the younger brother of terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye. Danja stated, “Troops responding to an attack on farmers around Dogon Kade neutralised notorious terrorist commander Alhaji Tukur, younger brother of terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye. Several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds and fled the area.” Troops later responded to another threat in Sabon Gari, prompting the terrorists to abandon their mission. During a follow-up search, soldiers recovered a motorcycle after killing one fleeing terrorist.
In Katsina State, Operation Fansan Yamma also recorded major success after troops overwhelmed terrorists along the Danmusa–Yantumaki route. The fleeing suspects abandoned two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition, and one motorcycle.
The Nigerian Air Force further strengthened the operation by intercepting about 300 terrorists travelling on motorcycles from the Sunke-Kumbo axis towards Gummi. Danja said, “Three air platforms were deployed along the terrorists’ axis of advance. On sighting the air assets, the terrorists attempted to flee for cover under trees but were successfully engaged and neutralised with precision airstrikes, thwarting their nefarious plan.” He praised the Air Force for its swift intervention, adding, “The Theatre commends the Nigerian Air Force for this decisive and timely air interdiction, which further degraded terrorist capabilities.” He also reaffirmed that Operation Fansan Yamma will continue offensive operations to protect communities and restore lasting peace across the North-West.
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