Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks, neutralised a notorious terrorist commander, and recovered arms and other combat equipment during separate operations in Zamfara and Katsina states.
The operations, conducted on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, also included a successful air interdiction by the Nigerian Air Force that reportedly disrupted a planned large-scale terrorist attack in Zamfara State.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2 acted on credible intelligence of an imminent terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
He said the troops, working alongside local security volunteers, engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle and successfully repelled the attack, forcing the assailants to retreat with several casualties.
Danja added that in a related operation, troops responding to an attack on farmers around Dogon Kade neutralised a notorious terrorist commander identified as Alhaji Tukur, who was described as the younger brother of terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.
“Several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds and fled the area,” he said.
The military spokesperson further disclosed that troops also responded to reports of terrorist activities in Sabon Gari, also in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
According to him, the terrorists abandoned their mission and fled into nearby bushes on sighting the advancing troops. A follow-up operation led to the neutralisation of one terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle allegedly used by the fleeing suspects.
In Katsina State, Danja said troops on a fighting patrol engaged terrorists along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area.
“The troops overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their position and flee. During the exploitation of the area, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition, and one motorcycle,” he said.
The statement also highlighted what it described as effective air-land coordination during the operations.
According to Danja, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intercepted a large group of about 300 terrorists riding motorcycles as they moved from the Sunke–Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi, allegedly to attack civilian communities.
He said three air platforms were deployed to intercept the group.
“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,” the statement read.
The Joint Task Force commended the Nigerian Air Force for what it described as a timely and decisive operation, saying the strikes further degraded the operational capabilities of terrorist groups in the North-West.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal elements across the theatre and assured residents of continued efforts to protect lives, safeguard livelihoods, and restore lasting peace in the region
