Troops Foil Terrorist Attacks, Kill Notorious Commander In Zamfara, Katsina
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Zamfara and Katsina states, killing a notorious terrorist commander and recovering weapons and other combat equipment during a series of operations conducted on Monday.
The military also disclosed that the Air Component of the operation thwarted a planned large-scale attack after intercepting about 300 terrorists riding on motorcycles and striking them with precision airstrikes before they could launch assaults on communities.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2 acted on credible intelligence of an impending terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The troops, working alongside local security volunteers, reportedly engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat with several casualties.
The statement added that in a related operation, troops responding to an attack on farmers around Dogon Kade neutralised a notorious terrorist commander identified as Alhaji Tukur, said to be the younger brother of terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.
It noted that several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and escaped into nearby bushes.
The statement further revealed that troops responding to reports of terrorist activities in Sabon Gari, also in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, compelled the criminals to abandon their mission and flee on sighting the advancing soldiers.
A follow-up operation led to the killing of another terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing suspects.
In Katsina State, troops on fighting patrol along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area also engaged terrorists in a gun battle.
According to the military, the troops overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandon their position.
Security forces subsequently recovered two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition and one motorcycle during exploitation of the area.
Highlighting the role of air power in the operations, the military said the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intercepted a convoy of about 300 terrorists travelling on motorcycles from the Sunke-Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi, where they allegedly planned to attack civilians.
The statement said three military aircraft were deployed to intercept the convoy.
"On sighting the air assets, the terrorists attempted to flee for cover under trees but were successfully engaged and neutralized with precision airstrikes, thwarting their nefarious plan," the statement said.
The Joint Task Force commended the Nigerian Air Force for what it described as a decisive and timely air interdiction that further degraded the operational capabilities of terrorist groups.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements across the North-West.
“The Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal elements across the theatre, and reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to denying terrorists freedom of action, protecting lives and livelihoods, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North West,” the statement added.