By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Gusau
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks, killed a notorious bandit commander and recovered arms in separate operations across Zamfara and Katsina states.
The military also said the Nigerian Air Force carried out precision airstrikes against a convoy of about 300 terrorists travelling on motorcycles in Zamfara, disrupting what was believed to be a planned attack on communities.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the operations were conducted on July 7 following credible intelligence and sustained offensive actions by ground troops backed by air support.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 2, working with local security volunteers, repelled an attempted terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State after a fierce gun battle, forcing the attackers to retreat with casualties.
In a related operation near Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers killed a notorious terrorist commander, Alhaji Tukur, identified as the younger brother of wanted bandit kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye. Several other terrorists reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
The military added that troops responding to another terrorist threat in Sabon Gari, also in Kaura Namoda LGA, forced the assailants to flee into nearby bushes. A follow-up operation led to the killing of one terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle.
In neighbouring Katsina State, troops on patrol along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis engaged terrorists in a gun battle, overpowering them and recovering two AK-47 rifles, two magazines containing 25 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle after the fleeing suspects abandoned their position.
The statement further disclosed that the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma intercepted a convoy of about 300 terrorists moving on motorcycles from the Sunke–Kumbo axis toward the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi in Zamfara State.
It said three Nigerian Air Force aircraft tracked the convoy and carried out precision strikes after the terrorists attempted to disperse and take cover under trees, killing several of them and thwarting the planned attack.
The Joint Task Force described the operation as a major setback for terrorist groups in the North-West and reaffirmed its commitment to sustained offensives against criminal elements while assuring residents of continued efforts to protect lives and restore lasting peace across the region.
