Esther Oseyiomon
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised a key terrorist lieutenant and recovered machine guns, rifles and ammunition during a clearance operation in Katsina State.
The operation was conducted on Saturday, August 29, 2026, as troops of Sector 2 intensified offensive operations against terrorist groups operating within identified enclaves in Matazu Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Joint Task Force, the troops encountered stiff resistance from armed terrorists during the clearance operation but responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee their positions.
During the subsequent exploitation of the area, troops confirmed the death of a terrorist identified as SMALLY, described as a lieutenant to notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines and 180 rounds of ammunition, alongside six motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists in their operations.
The latest success comes as Operation FANSAN YAMMA continues to intensify pressure on terrorist networks across the North-West, targeting their enclaves, weapons and means of mobility.
The Joint Task Force said the operation was part of sustained efforts to dismantle the operational capabilities of terrorist groups and deny them freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.
It reaffirmed the troops’ resolve to maintain offensive operations against the terrorists while creating conditions for the restoration of lasting peace and security in communities affected by terrorism and other forms of criminality.