Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded a series of major operational successes across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states, neutralising suspected terrorists and bandits, rescuing kidnapped victims, foiling planned attacks and recovering arms, ammunition, motorcycles and rustled livestock.
The latest operations, conducted between June 18 and June 22, underscore the military’s intensified campaign against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality in Nigeria’s North-West region.
In Sokoto State, troops of Sector 2 thwarted an attempted terrorist incursion into Tureta town on June 21 after acting on credible intelligence. According to the Nigerian Army, the terrorists were forced to abandon their mission and flee following a swift military response.
Aerial surveillance subsequently tracked the fleeing criminals to Sulubawa Gidan Kare village, where they were reportedly moving with abducted civilians and rustled cattle. Troops immediately launched a pursuit operation and encountered resistance in the form of an ambush mounted by the terrorists.
Despite the attack, the soldiers overpowered the criminals and forced them to scatter. The operation led to the rescue of the abductees, recovery of stolen livestock and the seizure of two motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists.
In a separate operation carried out during the early hours of June 22 in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, troops raided a known terrorist hideout following actionable intelligence.
The surprise assault overwhelmed the occupants of the enclave, resulting in the neutralisation of two suspected terrorists while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
Military authorities said troops recovered a PKT assault rifle, an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, three motorcycles, mobile communication devices, rustled livestock and other logistical materials used by the group.
The military also reported significant gains in Kaduna State, where troops responded to intelligence on cattle-rustling activities on June 20. Security forces engaged the suspects in a firefight, killing two alleged bandits and recovering weapons, ammunition and rustled animals.
However, the Army disclosed that one civilian lost his life during the incident as a result of the actions of the fleeing criminals.
On the same day, troops intercepted two suspected bandits during a night patrol operation. According to the Army, digital devices recovered from the suspects contained incriminating materials allegedly linking them to terrorist and bandit activities. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
Another operation on June 21 led to the arrest of two suspected bandit scouts after troops encountered armed criminals during a fighting patrol. The suspects were apprehended following an aggressive pursuit, while motorcycles and communication devices containing alleged evidence of criminal activities were recovered.
Troops were also deployed to Mararraba community in Kaduna State following a violent disturbance triggered by the mob killing of a woman accused of child trafficking. Security personnel restored order after the crowd allegedly attempted to attack public infrastructure and block a major highway.
The Army said troops dispersed the mob, secured critical facilities and ensured the free movement of commuters while maintaining a security presence in the area.
In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 working alongside other security agencies foiled a planned terrorist attack on Gamdanda Village in Gummi Local Government Area on June 20.
Acting on intelligence, security forces laid an ambush along the terrorists’ expected route and engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat under sustained fire.
Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, eight motorcycles and assorted food supplies believed to have been intended for terrorist operations.
The military also confirmed the arrest of four suspected violent extremists and informants during a covert operation conducted jointly with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency in Zamfara State.
Several incriminating items were reportedly recovered during the operation, while the suspects remain in custody pending further investigation and prosecution.
In another development, troops apprehended a suspected terrorist identified as Muhammad Mamman after inconsistencies emerged in his account of his identity and activities. Authorities said the suspect is undergoing detailed interrogation.
Earlier, on June 18, troops rescued three kidnap victims, including a one-year-old child, during an operation in Kerawa forest in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims, identified as Mrs Bilkisu Hayatu, Mrs Habibah Sadisu and Abdulmutallib Sadisu, were reportedly kidnapped from Kajenjere Tami Village on May 17 and were being moved to a terrorist hideout in Birnin Gwari before troops intervened.
The rescued victims were evacuated to a healthcare facility in Kadage for medical treatment and evaluation.
Meanwhile, troops successfully repelled another terrorist attack in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State after receiving reinforcement from the 1 Brigade. Military authorities said the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, as indicated by blood trails along their withdrawal route.
However, the operation came at a cost, with three soldiers losing their lives in the line of duty.
Troops also disrupted the movement of armed terrorists heading toward Tudun Barade and Badamma villages in Bakura Local Government Area, forcing them to retreat before launching any attack on the communities.
Commenting on the operations, the Nigerian Army said the latest successes demonstrate the determination, professionalism and resilience of troops deployed under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
The military reiterated its commitment to sustaining aggressive, intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, denying criminal elements freedom of movement and restoring lasting peace across the North-West.
The Theatre Commander praised the troops for their vigilance, discipline and operational effectiveness, noting that recent gains reflect the military’s resolve to relentlessly pursue terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements wherever they operate while enhancing security for residents across the region.
