Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Zamfara and Katsina states, neutralised a notorious terrorist commander and recovered weapons and other combat equipment during a series of operations conducted on Tuesday.
The military said the operations, carried out by troops of Sector 2 in collaboration with local security volunteers and supported by the Air Component of the operation, disrupted planned attacks on communities and prevented large-scale assaults on civilians.
According to the military, troops in Zamfara State acted on credible intelligence indicating an impending terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
The troops swiftly mobilised and engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat with what the military described as “several casualties.
In a related operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers reportedly neutralised a notorious terrorist commander identified as Alhaji Tukur, said to be the younger brother of wanted terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.
A statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said, “Troops responding to an attack on farmers around Dogon Kade neutralised notorious terrorist commander Alhaji Tukur. Several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds and fled the area.”
The military also disclosed that troops responding to reports of terrorist activities in Sabon Gari, also in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, forced the assailants to abandon their mission and flee into nearby bushes upon sighting advancing security forces.
Following a search of the area, one terrorist was reportedly neutralised, while a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing terrorists was recovered.
In neighbouring Katsina State, troops on a fighting patrol engaged suspected terrorists along the Danmusa-Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area.According to the statement, the troops overwhelmed the terrorists during the encounter, forcing them to flee and abandon their position.
“A follow-up exploitation of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition and one motorcycle,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA reportedly intercepted a large convoy of armed terrorists numbering about 300 and travelling on motorcycles from the Sunke-Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi in Zamfara State.
The military said intelligence reports indicated that the group was preparing to launch attacks on communities within the area.
The statement said three air platforms were deployed to intercept the movement.
“On sighting the air assets, the terrorists attempted to flee for cover under trees but were successfully engaged and neutralised with precision airstrikes, thwarting their nefarious plan,” Danja stated.
The military described the operation as a demonstration of the growing synergy between ground forces and the Nigerian Air Force in ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North-West.
It commended the Nigerian Air Force for what it called a “decisive and timely air interdiction” that further degraded the operational capabilities of terrorist groups in the region.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements across the North-West.
“The Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal elements across the theatre and reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to denying terrorists freedom of action, protecting lives and livelihoods, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North West,” the statement said.
