Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have intensified the military’s offensive against banditry in the North-West, killing a notorious bandit commander and neutralising scores of terrorists during coordinated ground and air operations in Zamfara and Katsina states.
The Joint Task Force spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed that the operations were conducted on July 7 following credible intelligence on planned terrorist activities in the affected areas.
According to Danja, troops of Sector 2, working in collaboration with local vigilantes, successfully repelled an imminent terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State. During a follow-up operation at Dogon Kade, launched in response to an attack on farmers, the troops killed the notorious bandit commander, Alhaji Tukur, who is the younger brother of wanted kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye. Several other terrorists were reportedly injured during the encounter.
The spokesman added that in Sabon Gari, also in Kaura Namoda, terrorists fled upon sighting the advancing troops, abandoning a motorcycle. A subsequent search operation led to the killing of one fleeing terrorist.
In neighbouring Katsina State, troops conducting a patrol along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis engaged terrorists in a gun battle. The operation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle.
The most significant success, however, came through coordinated air operations by the Nigerian Air Force. Intelligence had revealed that about 300 terrorists riding on motorcycles were moving from the Sunke-Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area on their way to Gummi in Zamfara State, where they were reportedly assembling for coordinated attacks.
Three Nigerian Air Force aircraft tracked the convoy and launched precision airstrikes after the terrorists attempted to conceal themselves beneath trees. The strikes neutralised scores of the insurgents and effectively disrupted the planned large-scale attack.
The military described the coordinated air and ground operations as a major setback for terrorist groups operating in the North-West, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining aggressive offensives aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the region.
