Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have recorded fresh gains in ongoing counter-terrorism operations, repelling coordinated attacks, killing a notorious bandit commander and intercepting a large convoy of suspected terrorists during separate operations in Zamfara and Katsina states.
The operations were carried out on July 7, with support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), following credible intelligence, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja.
Notorious Bandit Commander Killed in Zamfara
In Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2, working alongside local security volunteers, responded to intelligence indicating an imminent attack on communities.
The troops engaged the attackers in a gun battle, successfully repelling the assault and forcing the suspected terrorists to retreat with casualties.
In a related operation near Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers killed a notorious bandit commander identified as Alhaji Tukur, who the military described as the younger brother of wanted bandit kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.
Several other suspected terrorists were reportedly injured before fleeing the scene.
Weapons, Motorcycle Recovered
In another operation in Sabon Gari community, also in Kaura Namoda, suspected terrorists fled into nearby bushes after sighting advancing troops.
A follow-up search led to the killing of one suspected terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, troops on a fighting patrol along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State engaged another group of suspected terrorists.
According to the military, the attackers were forced to flee, leaving behind:
- Two AK-47 rifles
- Two magazines containing 25 rounds of ammunition
- One motorcycle
Air Force Strikes Terrorist Convoy
In what the military described as a major air-ground operation, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma intercepted a convoy of about 300 suspected terrorists travelling on motorcycles from the Sunke-Kumbo axis toward the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi in Zamfara State.
According to the statement, three Nigerian Air Force aircraft were deployed after intelligence indicated that the armed group was mobilising for coordinated attacks on communities.
The aircraft tracked the convoy and carried out precision airstrikes after the suspected terrorists attempted to disperse and hide beneath trees.
The military said the operation neutralised several of the suspected terrorists and disrupted the planned attack, although it did not state the number of casualties.
Military Reaffirms Commitment
The Joint Task Force commended the Nigerian Air Force for its swift response, describing the operation as a significant setback for terrorist groups operating in the North-West.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at denying criminal groups freedom of movement, protecting lives and property, and restoring lasting peace across the region….See More
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