Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded a major breakthrough in ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Katsina State, killing a suspected terrorist lieutenant and recovering a cache of weapons and equipment.
The operation was carried out on August 29, 2026, when troops of Sector 2 moved into suspected terrorist enclaves in Matazu Local Government Area.
According to the Joint Task Force Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the troops came under heavy resistance from armed terrorists during the clearance operation.
Danja said the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to retreat from the area.
During a subsequent search of the location, the troops reportedly neutralised a terrorist identified as Smally, described by the military as a lieutenant to notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.
The operation also led to the recovery of three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines and 180 rounds of ammunition.
Six motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists for their operations were also recovered.
The military said the latest operation forms part of the sustained offensive by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to weaken terrorist networks and disrupt their ability to operate across the Joint Operations Area.
The task force reiterated its commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist groups and denying them freedom of movement and action as security operations continue across affected communities.
