Troops Kill Notorious Bandit Commander, Repel Attacks, Intercept 300 Terrorists

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have recorded major gains in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign, repelling coordinated attacks, killing a notorious bandit commander and intercepting a convoy of about 300 terrorists in separate operations in Zamfara and Katsina states.

The operations, conducted on July 7, were based on credible intelligence and involved sustained offensives by ground troops supported by the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, according to a statement on Tuesday by the Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja.

*Zamfara Operations*

In Zamfara, troops of Sector 2, in collaboration with local security volunteers, responded to intelligence on an imminent attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. 

The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, repelled the attack and forced the assailants to retreat with casualties.

In another operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers neutralised a notorious bandit commander, Alhaji Tukur, said to be the younger brother of wanted kingpin, Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye. Several other terrorists were reportedly injured before fleeing.

Also in Kaura Namoda, troops responded to reports of terrorist activities in Sabon Gari community. On sighting the soldiers, the terrorists abandoned their mission and fled into nearby bushes. 

A follow-up search led to the killing of one terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle believed to have been used by the suspects.

*Katsina and Air Strikes*

In Katsina State, troops on a fighting patrol along the Danmusa-Yantumaki axis in Danmusa LGA engaged another group of terrorists in a gun duel. 

The military said the troops overpowered the attackers, forcing them to flee. A subsequent search yielded two AK-47 rifles, two magazines containing 25 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle.

In what the military described as a major demonstration of air-ground coordination, 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 in Zamfara State.

The statement said three NAF aircraft were deployed after intelligence indicated the terrorists were mobilising for coordinated attacks on communities. 

The aircraft tracked the convoy and carried out precision airstrikes after the terrorists attempted to disperse and take cover under trees. 

The military said the strikes neutralised several of the terrorists and disrupted the planned attack, but did not provide an exact casualty figure.

The Joint Task Force commended the NAF for its swift intervention, describing the operation as a significant blow to terrorist activities in the North-West.

It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements, and assured residents that security forces remain determined to deny criminals freedom of movement, protect lives and property, and restore lasting peace in the region.