By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have sustained offensive operations against terrorists in Katsina State, neutralising a key commander and recovering weapons, ammunition and motorcycles during clearance operations in Matazu Local Government Area.
The operation was conducted on August 29, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restrict their ability to operate across affected communities.
In a statement on Sunday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said troops of Sector 2 encountered stiff resistance from armed terrorists while conducting clearance operations in identified terrorist enclaves in Matazu.
Danja said the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee the area.
“Troops, however, responded decisively and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee the area,” Danja said.
He stated that troops subsequently exploited the area and confirmed the neutralisation of a terrorist commander identified as SMALLY, who operated under the notorious terrorist leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.
According to Danja, the operation also resulted in the recovery of three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines, 180 rounds of ammunition and six motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists.
The recovery of the weapons and motorcycles is significant as security forces continue to target the mobility and firepower of terrorist groups operating across the North-West.
Danja said the latest operation was part of a broader offensive designed to maintain pressure on terrorist networks and degrade their operational capabilities within the Joint Operations Area.
“The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustain pressure on terrorist networks and dismantle their operational capabilities across the Joint Operations Area,” he stated.
He added that the troops remained committed to taking the fight directly to the terrorists, denying them freedom of action and disrupting their ability to threaten communities.
“Troops remain resolute in taking the fight to the terrorists, denying them freedom of action and creating conditions for the restoration of lasting peace and security across affected communities,” Danja added.
