Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed a key terrorist lieutenant and recovered weapons, ammunition and motorcycles during a clearance operation in Katsina State.

The operation was carried out on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in identified terrorist enclaves in Matazu Local Government Area.

According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2 encountered stiff resistance from armed terrorists but responded with superior firepower, forcing them to flee.

During subsequent exploitation of the area, the troops confirmed the death of a terrorist identified as “Smally”, whom the Army described as a lieutenant to notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.

The troops also recovered three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines, 180 rounds of ammunition and six motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists.

The Army said the operation was part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and degrade their operational capabilities across the Joint Operations Area.

It added that troops remained committed to maintaining pressure on terrorist groups, denying them freedom of action and creating conditions for the restoration of peace and security in affected communities.

Troops Foil Attack On Kukawa

Meanwhile, troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have foiled a terrorist attack on Kukawa town in Borno State, killing several terrorists and destroying 10 motorcycles.

The military said the operation followed a coordinated ground and air response after terrorists attacked troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion deployed in Kukawa at about 10:50pm on Friday, August 28.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said troops responded with direct and indirect fire, forcing the terrorists to withdraw towards the Cross Kauwa axis.

Several terrorists were reportedly killed during the encounter, while others sustained gunshot wounds as they fled.

The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI subsequently launched an aerial interdiction operation after the terrorists attempted to escape towards Cross Kauwa on motorcycles.

Despite challenging weather conditions, the military said the air component engaged terrorists taking cover under trees, killing an estimated 10.

Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets of the Multi-National Joint Task Force later tracked about 20 motorcycles carrying fleeing terrorists towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis.

A follow-up precision strike reportedly killed an additional 15 terrorists and destroyed 10 motorcycles.

During subsequent ground exploitation, troops recovered two motorcycles, killed another terrorist and recovered assorted ammunition and other items.

Four military personnel sustained injuries during the engagement. The military said none of the injuries was life-threatening and that the wounded personnel were evacuated by air for medical treatment in stable condition.

Troops have since commenced further exploitation and reorganisation of the area, while battle damage assessment and evaluation of the operation continue.