Troops of Sector 1 and Sector 2 of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded significant operational successes in separate intelligence-driven missions across Kaduna and Zamfara states, rescuing kidnapped victims, foiling terrorist attacks, arresting suspected extremists, and recovering weapons and logistics items used by criminal elements.
In an official signed statement, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed that the operations underscored the task force’s commitment to protecting lives and property while sustaining pressure on terrorist and bandit networks operating within the North-West region.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 1 responded to a distress call on June 18, 2026, regarding the movement of armed bandits in a forest area of Kerawa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The troops swiftly combed the area and rescued three kidnap victims identified as Mrs Bilkisu Hayatu, 38, Mrs Habibah Sadisu, 30, and one-year-old Abdulmutallib Sadisu, who had been abandoned by fleeing criminals upon sighting the advancing troops.
The rescued victims were evacuated to a Primary Healthcare Clinic in Kadage for medical attention. Preliminary investigations revealed that they had been kidnapped from Kajenjere Tami Village in Birnin Yero on May 17, 2026, and were being moved to a terrorist hideout in Birnin Gwari before their rescue.
In another operation conducted in the early hours of June 20, troops of Sector 2, working alongside other security agencies, foiled a planned terrorist attack on Gamdanda Village in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Acting on credible intelligence, the troops laid an ambush around the outskirts of Gummi Community and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee under sustained fire.
Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, eight motorcycles, and assorted food items, dealing a significant blow to the terrorists’ operational capability.
The statement further disclosed that troops of Sector 2, in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency, carried out a covert operation in Zamfara State that led to the arrest of four suspected violent extremists and informants. Several incriminating items were recovered during the operation, while the suspects remain in custody for further investigation and prosecution.
Similarly, troops apprehended a suspected terrorist identified as Muhammad Mamman, whose inconsistent claims regarding his identity and activities raised suspicion. He is currently undergoing further investigation.
In Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2, reinforced by personnel from 1 Brigade, successfully repelled a terrorist attack, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers. Blood trails observed along the withdrawal route of the terrorists indicated substantial losses.
However, the operation came at a cost, as three soldiers lost their lives while defending their country during the encounter.
Meanwhile, troops acting on intelligence reports about the movement of terrorists on motorcycles towards Tudun Barade and Badamma villages in Bakura Local Government Area launched an aggressive fighting patrol that forced the terrorists to abandon their mission and retreat before carrying out any attack. The troops subsequently dominated the area to ensure the safety of residents.
The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the bravery, resilience, and professionalism of the troops for their sustained efforts in combating terrorism and banditry across the region. He also paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, describing them as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
The command further expressed appreciation to members of the public for their continued support and timely intelligence, urging residents to remain vigilant and maintain cooperation with security agencies to achieve lasting peace and security across the North-West.
