Troops foil terrorist attacks in Zamfara, Katsina, kill notorious commander

Air strikes hit 300 terrorists in Zamfara as Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensifies offensive

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Zamfara and Katsina states, killed a notorious commander, and recovered weapons during separate operations on July 7, 2026.

According to the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operations were carried out by Sector 2 troops in collaboration with local security volunteers and supported by the Air Component.

—Zamfara: Attacks Repelled, Commander Killed—

Danja said troops in Kaura Namoda LGA acted on credible intelligence of an imminent attack. They engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, repelling the attack and forcing the assailants to retreat with several casualties.

In a related operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers neutralised a notorious terrorist commander, Alhaji Tukur.

He was identified as the younger brother of terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye. Several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds and escaped.

Troops also responded to reports at Sabon Gari in Kaura Namoda LGA. The criminals fled into nearby bushes on sighting soldiers. Exploitation of the area led to the neutralisation of one terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing terrorists.

—Katsina: Weapons Recovered—

In Danmusa LGA, troops on a fighting patrol encountered terrorists along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis. The troops overpowered them, forcing them to abandon their position and flee.

Follow-up operations led to the recovery of 2 AK-47 rifles, 2 magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition, and 1 motorcycle.

—Air Force Hits 300 Terrorists in Zamfara—

The Air Component recorded a major success in Gummi LGA. Danja said intelligence revealed a large group of about 300 terrorists riding motorcycles along the Sunke–Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area. They were believed to be moving to attack communities.

Three Nigerian Air Force platforms were deployed to intercept them. After sighting the aircraft, the terrorists tried to hide under trees but were engaged with precision airstrikes. The attack disrupted their plan and inflicted heavy casualties.

Danja commended the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as a “timely and decisive air interdiction” that further degraded the terrorists’ operational capability.

—“We Will Sustain The Offensive”—

Reaffirming the military’s resolve, Lt. Col. Danja said Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements across the North-West.

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The military assured residents that troops will continue to deny terrorists freedom of action, protect lives and property, and work toward restoring lasting peace and security across the region.