Troops Neutralise Terrorist Commander, Recover Machine Guns in Katsina
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised a key terrorist lieutenant and recovered machine guns, rifles, ammunition and motorcycles during clearance operations in Katsina State.
The operation was conducted on August 29, 2026, as troops of Sector 2 intensified offensive operations against terrorist enclaves in Matazu Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the troops encountered stiff resistance from armed terrorists while conducting clearance operations in identified enclaves.
The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee the area.
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During the subsequent exploitation of the operational area, the troops confirmed the death of a terrorist identified as Smally, described by the military as a lieutenant to notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.
The troops also recovered three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines, 180 rounds of ammunition and six motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists in their operations.
The military said the operation was part of sustained efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt terrorist networks, degrade their operational capabilities and deny them freedom of movement across the Joint Operations Area.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its determination to maintain offensive operations against terrorist groups and create conditions conducive to the restoration of lasting peace and security in affected communities.
The latest operation comes amid intensified military pressure on terrorist and bandit networks operating across the North-West, with troops conducting clearance and intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves and disrupting their logistics and mobility.
