Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed a suspected key terrorist lieutenant and recovered weapons and motorcycles during a clearance operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Punch reported that the operation was carried out on August 29, 2026, when troops of Sector 2 moved into identified terrorist hideouts in the area.
The troops reportedly came under heavy resistance from armed terrorists during the operation but responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
Danja said troops subsequently searched the area and confirmed the death of a terrorist identified as Smally, who was described as a lieutenant to the notorious terrorist leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.
“During exploitation of the area, troops confirmed the neutralisation of a terrorist identified as Smally, a lieutenant of notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani,” he said.
The military also recovered three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines and 180 rounds of ammunition from the terrorists.
“Troops also recovered six motorcycles used by the terrorists for their nefarious activities,” Danja said.
According to the military, the operation formed part of the ongoing offensive by Operation FANSAN YAMMA aimed at maintaining pressure on terrorist groups and weakening their operational capabilities across the Joint Operations Area.
Danja said the troops remained committed to restricting the movement of terrorists and creating an environment conducive to the restoration of lasting peace and security in affected 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 said.
