Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued an abducted district head, repelled multiple terrorist attacks and recovered arms, ammunition and other combat equipment during coordinated operations across Katsina and Zamfara states.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the operations, conducted on July 2, 2026, dealt fresh blows to terrorist groups operating in the North-West as troops intensified offensive operations to deny the criminals freedom of movement and restore security in affected communities.
According to Danja, troops of Sector 2 on fighting patrol engaged terrorists between Amara and Chakau Junction in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State after the fleeing gunmen opened fire on sighting the advancing soldiers.
He said the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their mission and flee. A search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with eight rounds of ammunition and two motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists.
In another operation on the outskirts of Sabon Garin and Dantakeri villages in Dutsinma Local Government Area, troops, working alongside other security agencies and local vigilantes, swiftly responded to a terrorist attack.
Danja said one terrorist was neutralised during the ensuing gun battle, while others escaped under sustained military pressure.
He added that the most significant breakthrough occurred in Farin Hawa Village, Malumfashi Local Government Area, where troops responded to reports that armed terrorists riding on several motorcycles had abducted the district head, Mubarak Sharin.
According to him, the troops immediately pursued the kidnappers, caught up with them and engaged them in a fierce gun battle, killing one of the terrorists and forcing the others to flee, while the abducted district head was rescued unharmed.
The military spokesman further disclosed that troops stationed at Dauran in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State also repelled a terrorist attack on their location.
He said reinforcements joined the troops during the firefight, forcing the attackers to retreat and abandon one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 35 rounds of ammunition, a bandolier and a CamelBak hydration pack, all of which were recovered by the troops.
Danja said the latest operations were part of sustained efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to intensify pressure on terrorist groups across the North-West and restore peace to troubled communities.
He commended the courage, professionalism and resilience of the troops, as well as the support of other security agencies and local vigilantes, assuring that the Joint Task Force would remain resolute in sustaining offensive operations while working closely with communities to safeguard lives and property across the region.
