Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have repelled coordinated terrorist attacks in Zamfara and Katsina states.
Naijaonpoint reports that the troops also killed a notorious terrorist commander and recovered arms, ammunition and other combat equipment during separate operations on Monday, July 7.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt Col Aliyu Danja, the Nigerian Air Force also intercepted and bombed a large convoy of terrorists allegedly heading to attack communities in Zamfara.
Danja said troops of Sector 2 acted on credible intelligence to prevent an impending attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
He said the troops, supported by local security volunteers, engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle and forced them to flee with casualties.
Danja said, “Working alongside local security volunteers, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle and repelled the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat with several casualties.”
The military spokesman said troops responding to an attack on farmers around Dogon Kade killed a notorious terrorist commander identified as Alhaji Tukur.
Danja further stated, “Troops responding to an attack on farmers around Dogon Kade neutralised notorious terrorist commander Alhaji Tukur, younger brother of terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye. Several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds and fled the area.”
He added that troops also responded to terrorist activities at Sabon Gari in Kaura Namoda LGA.
He stated, “On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists abandoned their mission and fled into nearby bushes. A subsequent exploitation of the area led to the neutralisation of one terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle used by the fleeing terrorists.”
Danja said troops of Sector 2 also recorded success in Katsina State after engaging terrorists along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area.
He said the terrorists fled after being overwhelmed by troops. The operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition and one motorcycle.
The military also said the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma intercepted about 300 terrorists on motorcycles moving from the Sunke-Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi.
Danja said, “Three air platforms were deployed along the terrorists’ axis of advance. On sighting the air assets, the terrorists attempted to flee for cover under trees but were successfully engaged and neutralised with precision airstrikes, thwarting their nefarious plan.”
He commended the Nigerian Air Force for the intervention.
“The Theatre commends the Nigerian Air Force for this decisive and timely air interdiction, which further degraded terrorist capabilities,” he added.
Danja said Operation Fansan Yamma remained committed to sustained operations against terrorists and 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,” he said.
