TROOPS ELIMINATE TERRORIST COMMANDER, SEIZE WEAPONS IN KATSINA

Nigerian troops have killed a key terrorist lieutenant and recovered weapons and motorcycles during a clearance operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation was carried out on Saturday, August 29, 2026, by troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, who advanced into identified terrorist enclaves in the area.

According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the troops encountered stiff resistance from the terrorists during the operation.

He said the soldiers responded with superior firepower, forcing the armed group to withdraw from the area.

During subsequent exploitation of the location, the troops confirmed the death of a terrorist identified as Smally, who was described as a lieutenant to the notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.

Danja disclosed that the operation also led to the recovery of three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines and 180 rounds of ammunition.

The troops further recovered six motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists to carry out their criminal activities and move around the area.

The military said the operation formed part of the broader offensive by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustain pressure on terrorist networks operating across its Joint Operations Area.

According to the task force, the ongoing operations are aimed at dismantling terrorist camps, disrupting their logistics and reducing their ability to launch attacks against communities.

Danja reaffirmed the determination of the troops to continue taking the fight to terrorist groups and denying them freedom of movement and action.

He said the military's operations would be sustained to create conditions that would allow lasting peace and security to return to communities affected by terrorism and other violent activities.

The latest operation represents another effort by security forces to weaken terrorist networks operating across parts of the North-West, particularly in areas where armed groups have continued to threaten residents and disrupt economic activities.

The recovery of weapons and motorcycles is also expected to limit the operational capacity of the terrorists and provide security agencies with additional information that could assist ongoing efforts to track their networks.

The Joint Task Force has urged residents in affected communities to remain vigilant and support security operations by providing useful information on the activities and movements of suspected terrorists.