Bandit Commander Killed, Scores of Terrorists Hit as Airstrikes target large Motorcycle Convoy

By Abdullahi Abdulrahaman Chakwa, Gusau Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have recorded fresh successes in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign, repelling coordinated attacks, killing a notorious bandit commander and intercepting a large convoy of terrorists during separate operations in Zamfara and Katsina states. The operations, conducted on July 7, followed credible […]

By Abdullahi Abdulrahaman Chakwa, Gusau

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have recorded fresh successes in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign, repelling coordinated attacks, killing a notorious bandit commander and intercepting a large convoy of terrorists during separate operations in Zamfara and Katsina states.

The operations, conducted on July 7, followed credible intelligence and sustained offensives by ground troops supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja.

In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2, working with local security volunteers, responded to intelligence indicating an imminent attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.

The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, successfully repelling the attack and forcing the assailants to retreat with casualties.

In a related operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers neutralised a notorious bandit commander identified as Alhaji Tukur, said to be the younger brother of wanted bandit kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.

Several other terrorists were reportedly injured during the exchange of fire before fleeing.

Also in Kaura Namoda, troops responded to reports of terrorist activities in Sabon Gari community.

On sighting the advancing soldiers, the terrorists abandoned their mission and escaped into nearby bushes.

A follow-up search of the area led to the killing of one terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing suspects.

In neighbouring Katsina State, troops on a fighting patrol along the Danmusa-Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area engaged another group of terrorists in a gun duel.

According to the military, the troops overpowered the attackers, forcing them to flee and abandon their position. During a subsequent search of the area, soldiers recovered two AK-47 rifles, two magazines containing 25 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle.

In what the military described as a major demonstration of effective air-ground coordination, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma intercepted a convoy of about 300 terrorists travelling on motorcycles from the Sunke-Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi in Zamfara State.

The statement said three Nigerian Air Force aircraft were deployed after intelligence reports indicated that the terrorists were mobilising for coordinated attacks on communities.

The aircraft tracked the convoy before carrying out precision airstrikes after the terrorists attempted to disperse and take cover beneath trees.

The military said the strikes neutralised several of the terrorists and disrupted the planned attack, although it did not provide an exact casualty figure.

The Joint Task Force commended the Nigerian Air Force for its swift intervention, describing the operation as a significant blow to terrorist activities in the North-West.

It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements across the theatre of operations, assuring residents that security forces remain determined to deny criminals freedom of movement, protect lives and property, and restore lasting peace in the region.