By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have neutralised 8 suspected terrorists and rescued 3 kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara States.
The operations also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 3 locally fabricated guns, 3 motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, on 26 October, 2026.
According to the statement, on Saturday, 24th October 2026, troops of Sector One received a distress call from farmers at Machika Dam, Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, reporting terrorist activities in the area. The troops promptly mobilised and engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, neutralising two of them while others fled.
During the operation, troops rescued a 42-year-old man, Mr. Suleiman Umar, who had been kidnapped. Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with magazine containing rounds of ammunition and one motorcycle.
In another operation same day, troops of Sector One, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), foiled a terrorist ambush along Ungwan Iya, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, neutralising 6 suspected terrorists. Troops recovered three locally fabricated guns, two motorcycles, cutlasses and charms.
The operation followed a distress call on attack at Ungwan Mallami village, where terrorists fled with two kidnapped victims. While trailing them, troops came under attack but responded with superior firepower, neutralising the terrorists.
Similarly, on Sunday, 25th October 2026, troops of Sector Two rescued two kidnapped victims in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The victims were identified as Mr. Shehu Chete, 40, and Mr. Bugu Bedi, 25, both indigenes of Kebbi State.
The troops, while conducting surveillance, observed activities of suspected terrorists and launched a fighting patrol. On sighting the troops, the terrorists fled, abandoning the victims, who were evacuated to Bagega Clinic for medical attention before being moved to the military base for debriefing and reunion with families.
Troops have continued to dominate the areas through sustained patrols and search operations to apprehend fleeing terrorists and ensure safety of residents.
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their gallantry and urged members of the public to continue supporting operations with timely and credible information on suspicious movements.
