TROOPS ELIMINATE TERRORIST COMMANDER, SEIZE WEAPONS IN KATSINA OPERATION

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised a key terrorist commander and recovered a cache of weapons and other equipment during a clearance operation in Katsina State.

The operation was carried out on August 29, 2026, when troops from Sector 2 advanced into identified terrorist enclaves in Matazu Local Government Area of the state. The soldiers reportedly encountered resistance from armed terrorists during the operation.

According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their positions and flee.

During the subsequent exploitation of the area, the soldiers confirmed the death of a terrorist identified as Smally, described by the military as a lieutenant to notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.

The operation also resulted in the recovery of significant quantities of weapons and ammunition. The military said troops seized three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines and 180 rounds of ammunition from the fleeing terrorists.

In addition to the weapons, troops recovered six motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists to carry out their activities in the area.

The military said the successful operation was part of the broader offensive being conducted by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to maintain pressure on terrorist networks operating across the Joint Operations Area.

According to Danja, the ongoing operations are aimed at weakening the operational capabilities of terrorist groups, restricting their freedom of movement and preventing them from establishing safe havens in affected communities.

The military has continued to intensify clearance operations across parts of the North-West, particularly in areas where terrorist and bandit groups have maintained a presence.

The recovery of the weapons is expected to further disrupt the activities of the affected terrorist network and reduce its capacity to launch attacks on communities and security personnel.

The Joint Task Force said its troops remain committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and creating conditions that will allow normal economic and social activities to return to communities affected by insecurity.

The latest operation comes amid continued efforts by Nigerian security forces to tackle terrorism and banditry across the North-West, where armed groups have repeatedly attacked rural communities, kidnapped residents and disrupted farming activities.

The military has urged residents in affected areas to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely information on the movements and activities of suspected terrorists.

Authorities said operations would continue as troops work to identify and dismantle remaining terrorist enclaves in the region.