Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed a key terrorist lieutenant and recovered weapons and ammunition during a clearance operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation was carried out on August 29, 2026, as troops of Sector 2 advanced into identified terrorist enclaves in the area.
According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the troops encountered stiff resistance from armed terrorists but responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee.
Danja said troops later confirmed the death of a terrorist identified as Smally, described as a lieutenant to notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.
He disclosed that the troops recovered three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines and 180 rounds of ammunition from the terrorists.
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Six motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists were also recovered during the operation.
The military said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustain pressure on terrorist networks and dismantle their operational capabilities across the Joint Operations Area.
The task force reaffirmed its determination to deny terrorists freedom of action and create conditions for lasting peace and security in affected communities.
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