Troops Crush Terrorist Attacks, Kill Notorious Commander as Airstrikes Disrupt Mass Assault in North West
The Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism, successfully foiling planned attacks, eliminating a notorious terrorist commander, and recovering weapons during coordinated operations in Zamfara and Katsina States.
The operations, carried out on Monday, July 7, 2026, dealt a significant blow to terrorist groups operating across the North West, preventing fresh attacks on vulnerable communities and farmlands.
In Zamfara State, troops deployed in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area acted on credible intelligence that terrorists were preparing to invade several communities. Working closely with local security volunteers, the soldiers engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.
The troops also responded to another attack targeting farmers around Dogon Kade, where they neutralized the notorious terrorist commander, Alhaji Tukur, identified as the younger brother of wanted terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye. Several other terrorists reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
In a separate operation at Sabon Gari, also in Kaura Namoda, troops quickly mobilized after receiving reports of terrorist movements. The criminals fled into nearby bushes on sighting the advancing soldiers, abandoning their mission.
During a follow up search, one terrorist was killed, while a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing gang was recovered.
Meanwhile, in Katsina State, troops on fighting patrol confronted terrorists along the Danmusa to Yantumaki road in Danmusa Local Government Area.
The troops overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandon two AK 47 rifles, two loaded magazines containing 25 rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle.
In what military authorities described as a demonstration of effective air and ground coordination, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intercepted a large convoy of about 300 terrorists riding motorcycles as they moved from the Sunke and Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area in Gummi, allegedly planning coordinated attacks on communities.
Three Nigerian Air Force aircraft were deployed to intercept the convoy. As the terrorists attempted to hide beneath trees after spotting the aircraft, they were struck by precision airstrikes that neutralized many of them and disrupted the planned assault before it could be carried out.
The Theatre Command praised the Nigerian Air Force for the successful operation, describing it as a decisive intervention that further weakened terrorist capabilities in the region.
Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to sustaining aggressive operations against terrorists and other criminal groups.
He assured residents across the North West that security forces would continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement while protecting lives, property, and livelihoods.
