Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks, neutralised a notorious terrorist commander, and disrupted a large-scale assault through precision airstrikes in separate operations across Zamfara and Katsina States.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, 7 July 2026.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 2, acting on credible intelligence, swiftly mobilised alongside local security volunteers to prevent an imminent terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, forcing the attackers to retreat with several casualties.
In a related operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers neutralised Alhaji Tukur, described as a notorious terrorist commander and younger brother of wanted terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.
The statement added that several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds and fled the area.
It read: “Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) have recorded further operational successes, thwarting coordinated terrorist attacks, neutralising a notorious terrorist commander, and recovering arms and other combat equipment during separate operations in Zamfara and Katsina States on 7 July 2026.
“In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 responded swiftly to credible intelligence indicating an impending terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
“Working alongside local security volunteers, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle and repelled the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat with several casualties.
“In a related operation, troops responding to an attack on farmers around Dogon Kade neutralised notorious terrorist commander Alhaji Tukur, younger brother of terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye. Several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds and fled the area.”
The statement further disclosed that troops carried out another operation at Sabon Gari in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area following reports of terrorist activities.
It said the terrorists abandoned their mission and fled into nearby bushes after sighting the advancing troops. During a subsequent search of the area, troops neutralised one terrorist and recovered a motorcycle reportedly used by the fleeing attackers.
In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 engaged terrorists during a fighting patrol along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area.
The troops overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their position and flee. A follow-up operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines containing 25 rounds of ammunition, and one motorcycle.
The Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA also carried out a successful air interdiction operation after receiving credible intelligence on the movement of about 300 terrorists on motorcycles from the Sunke–Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area of Gummi Local Government Area, with plans to attack civilians.
Three air platforms were deployed along the terrorists’ route of advance. Upon sighting the aircraft, the terrorists attempted to seek cover under trees but were engaged and neutralised through precision airstrikes.
The Theatre Command commended the Nigerian Air Force for the timely operation, describing it as a significant step towards degrading terrorist capabilities.
“The Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal elements across the theatre,” the statement added.
It reassured residents of its commitment to denying terrorists freedom of action, protecting lives and livelihoods, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North West.
