Precision Airstrikes Decimate Notorious Commander, 300 Terrorists as Troops Foil Fresh Attacks in North-West
Precision airstrikes by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have decimated a notorious terrorist commander and scores of terrorists among an estimated 300 heavily armed fighters advancing on motorcycles to launch coordinated attacks in the North-West, while ground troops simultaneously foiled fresh assaults, recovered weapons and neutralised additional terrorists in Zamfara and Katsina states.
The operational successes were disclosed in a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
The coordinated operations, carried out on July 7, 2026, dealt a significant blow to terrorist networks operating across the North-West, reinforcing the military’s sustained offensive against banditry and terrorism.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 first responded to credible intelligence of an imminent terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Working closely with local security volunteers, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat with heavy casualties.
In a related operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers neutralised Alhaji Tukur, a notorious terrorist commander and younger brother of wanted bandit kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye. Several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds before fleeing.
Military sources described Tukur’s elimination as a major setback to terrorist operations in the area because of his alleged involvement in coordinating attacks on rural communities.
In another operation at Sabon Gari, also in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops swiftly mobilised following reports of terrorist activities.
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On sighting the advancing soldiers, the terrorists fled into nearby bushes, abandoning their operation. During a subsequent exploitation mission, troops neutralised one more terrorist and recovered a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing criminals.
In neighbouring Katsina State, troops conducting a fighting patrol along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area engaged another group of terrorists in a gun duel.
The terrorists were overwhelmed and forced to flee, leaving behind two AK-47 rifles, two magazines containing 25 rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle, all of which were recovered by the troops.
The most significant operation occurred when the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted an estimated 300 terrorists travelling on motorcycles from the Sunke–Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi, where they were reportedly planning coordinated attacks on innocent civilians.
Three Nigerian Air Force aircraft were immediately deployed to intercept the convoy.
On detecting the approaching aircraft, the terrorists attempted to scatter and seek cover beneath trees. However, the air assets executed precision strikes that decimated the large terrorist formation, thwarting what security sources described as a potentially devastating attack on vulnerable communities.
The Theatre Command commended the Nigerian Air Force for the timely and decisive air interdiction, describing it as another demonstration of the growing effectiveness of joint air-ground operations in degrading terrorist capabilities across the North-West.
It reaffirmed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven offensive operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement, protecting farming communities, safeguarding lives and property, and restoring lasting peace and security across the region.
By PRNigeria
