Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have thwarted a suspected terrorist attack, recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition, and arrested a suspected criminal during separate operations in Kaduna State.
The operations were conducted between September 23 and 24, 2026, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of the JTF North West, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
Danja said troops of Sector 1 acted on credible intelligence about the movement of suspected terrorists through the bushes around Rijana in Kachia Local Government Area on September 23.
He said the troops swiftly mobilised to the area, laid an ambush and engaged the suspected terrorists after sighting them.
Following the encounter, the troops conducted a follow-up operation around the area, leading to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and a magazine containing 13 rounds of ammunition.
Other items recovered, according to the statement, included a magazine carrier and a military jungle hat.
In a separate operation on the same day, Sector 1 troops conducted a clearance operation in Awom village, also in Kachia Local Government Area, as part of efforts to prevent terrorists and other criminal elements from using the community as a safe haven.
During the operation, the troops arrested a suspected criminal identified as Jacob.
Danja said the suspect was allegedly found in possession of a locally fabricated pistol and seven rounds of ammunition.
The suspect, he added, remained in military custody for further investigation.
The JTF spokesman said the Theatre Command commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and prompt response during the operations.
According to him, the troops would continue offensive and clearance operations to disrupt terrorist activities, restrict the movement of criminal elements and protect communities within the Joint Operations Area.
“The troops remain resolute in sustaining offensive and clearance operations to thwart terrorist activities, deny criminal elements freedom of action and protect communities within the Joint Operations Area,” Danja said.
The latest operations form part of the ongoing military campaign under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to counter terrorism and other criminal activities across the North-West.
