Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have sustained a string of offensive operations in North West Nigeria. The coordinated actions led to two terrorists being neutralized, one kidnap victim rescued, eight suspected collaborators arrested, and 110 rustled cattle recovered. The operations cut into terrorists movement, logistics, and criminal financing, across Kaduna and Zamfara States.

Joint team of Sector 1 Troops and vigilante members patrolling Giwa and Kaduna North LGAs intercepted terrorists moving kidnapped victims on motorcycles. In the ensuing firefight, the gunmen abandoned two bikes and fled into the bush. Troops managed to rescue one victim alive, but recovered the body of another, who had been killed by the attackers before the encounter.

Later that same day in Giwa LGA, Sector 1 Troops responded to an attack on Dariya Village that left one civilian dead and three others injured. Pursuing the fleeing gunmen, the soldiers caught up with them on motorcycles and engaged them in combat, neutralizing two terrorists. Recovered items included one motorcycle, ammunition, charms, and other personal effects.

Intelligence-driven work also paid off in Zamfara. At Magami in Gusau LGA, Sector 2 troops arrested two suspects accused of providing medical support to terrorist groups in the area. Meanwhile, in Birnin Gwari’s Polewire Village, Sector 1 troops arrested six more individuals, found in suspicious circumstances, after a firefight with fleeing terrorists. All the 8 suspects are now under investigation.

The offensive continued in Chikun LGA, Kaduna State. Sector 1 troops, working with vigilantes, tracked cattle rustlers and set up a snap ambush at Ungwan Gora bush. Under sustained pressure, the rustlers dropped the stolen livestock and ran. All 110 cattle were recovered and returned to their owners.

Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the Operation’s Media Information Officer, said JTF NW OPFY remains committed to denying criminal groups freedom of action while protecting civilians. He also called on the public to keep sharing timely and credible information with security agencies to help maintain momentum against banditry and terrorism in the North West.