JUST IN: Troops repel terrorist attacks, kill notorious commander in Zamfara, Katsina operations

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have repelled coordinated terrorist attacks, neutralised a notorious terrorist commander and recovered arms during separate operations in Zamfara and Katsina states.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operations were conducted on July 7 as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and criminal activities across the North-West.

In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2, acting on credible intelligence, responded to a planned terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.

The military said the troops, working alongside local security volunteers, engaged the attackers in a gun battle and successfully repelled the assault, forcing the terrorists to retreat with casualties.

In a related operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers reportedly neutralised a notorious terrorist commander identified as Alhaji Tukur, described as the younger brother of alleged terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.

The statement added that several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds and fled the scene.

In another operation at Sabon Gari in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops swiftly responded to reports of terrorist activities.

According to the military, the suspects fled into nearby bushes on sighting the advancing troops. A subsequent search of the area led to the killing of one suspected terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle allegedly used by the fleeing group.

In neighbouring Katsina State, troops on a fighting patrol engaged suspected terrorists along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area.

The military said the troops overpowered the attackers, forcing them to abandon their position and flee.

During a follow-up operation, soldiers recovered two AK-47 rifles, two magazines containing 25 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle.

The military also disclosed that the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intercepted what it described as a large group of about 300 suspected terrorists travelling on motorcycles from the Sunke-Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi.

It said three air platforms were deployed after receiving credible intelligence on the movement.

According to the statement, the suspected terrorists attempted to take cover beneath trees after sighting the aircraft but were engaged in precision airstrikes that thwarted the planned attack.

The Joint Task Force commended the Nigerian Air Force for what it described as a timely and decisive operation that further degraded the operational capabilities of terrorist groups in the region.

The task force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal elements and assured residents of continued efforts to protect lives, livelihoods and restore lasting peace across the North-West.