Troops Repel Terrorists Attacks, Eliminate Notorious Commander, Recover Weapons in Zamfara, Katsina
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 successes were recorded on July 7 during a series of coordinated ground and air operations aimed at disrupting terrorist activities across the North-West.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2 in Zamfara State acted on credible intelligence indicating an imminent terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Working in collaboration with local security volunteers, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, successfully repelling the attack and forcing the assailants to retreat with several casualties.
In a related operation, troops responding to an attack on farmers around Dogon Kade neutralised a notorious terrorist commander identified as Alhaji Tukur, the younger brother of suspected terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.
The military said several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and escaped into nearby bushes.
In another operation at Sabon Gari, also in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops swiftly mobilised following reports of terrorist movements. The suspected terrorists fled on sighting the advancing troops, abandoning their mission.
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A subsequent exploitation of the area resulted in the neutralisation of one suspected terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing attackers.
In neighbouring Katsina State, troops of Sector 2, while on a fighting patrol along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area, engaged another group of terrorists in a gun battle.
The troops overwhelmed the suspects, forcing them to flee and abandon their position. During a follow-up search of the area, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition, and one motorcycle.
The military also highlighted a successful air interdiction carried out by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA following intelligence reports of the movement of about 300 terrorists on motorcycles from the Sunke–Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi.
According to the statement, three Nigerian Air Force platforms were deployed to intercept the convoy. The terrorists reportedly attempted to take cover beneath trees after sighting the aircraft but were engaged with precision airstrikes, resulting in significant casualties and the disruption of what the military described as a planned attack on civilian communities.
The Joint Task Force commended the Nigerian Air Force for the timely air operation, describing it as a major blow to terrorist capabilities in the region.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal groups across the North-West, assuring residents that troops would continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, safeguard lives and livelihoods, and restore lasting peace and security in the region.
By PRNigeria
