Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised a key terrorist lieutenant and recovered machine guns, rifles and other weapons during ongoing clearance operations in Katsina State.
The operation, conducted on August 29, 2026, was part of sustained offensives against terrorist networks operating across the North-West.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2 encountered stiff resistance while conducting clearance operations in identified terrorist enclaves within Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The troops, however, reportedly responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee from the area.
During the subsequent exploitation of the area, the troops confirmed the neutralisation of a terrorist identified as Smally, said to be a lieutenant of a notorious terrorist leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.
Items recovered during the operation included three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines, 180 rounds of ammunition and six motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists.
The military said the operation was part of continuing efforts to sustain pressure on terrorist groups and dismantle their operational capabilities across the Joint Operations Area.
“The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustain pressure on terrorist networks and dismantle their operational capabilities across the Joint Operations Area,” the statement said.
It added that the troops remained committed to taking the fight to the terrorists and restricting their activities across affected communities.
“Troops remain resolute in taking the fight to the terrorists, denying them freedom of action and creating conditions for the restoration of lasting peace and security across affected communities,” the statement added.
