Airstrikes, troops repel coordinated terrorist attacks in North-West

Coordinated air and ground operations by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have disrupted what security authorities described as a major planned terrorist offensive in Nigeria’s North-West, neutralising a notorious terrorist commander and scores of fighters while preventing attacks on vulnerable communities in Zamfara and Katsina states.

The military said the operations, conducted on July 7, were based on credible intelligence and targeted multiple terrorist groups operating across the region.

Aliyu Danja, media information officer of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, disclosed the development in a statement, saying the operations combined precision airstrikes with coordinated ground offensives to degrade terrorist networks.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 2, supported by local security volunteers, intercepted terrorists preparing to attack communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Following a fierce exchange of gunfire, the attackers reportedly retreated after suffering heavy casualties.

In a separate operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers neutralised Alhaji Tukur, identified by the military as a notorious terrorist commander and younger brother of wanted bandit leader Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.

Several other suspected terrorists were said to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

The military described the death of Tukur as a significant setback to terrorist operations, alleging that he played a key role in coordinating attacks on rural communities in the area.

Troops also responded to reports of terrorist activities in Sabon Gari, also in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.

The statement said the suspects fled into nearby bushes on sighting advancing troops, abandoning their mission.

During a follow-up operation, soldiers neutralised another terrorist and recovered a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing group.

In Katsina State, troops on fighting patrol along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area engaged another terrorist group in a gun battle.

The military said the attackers fled under sustained pressure, leaving behind two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle, all of which were recovered.

The military said the most significant operation involved the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which intercepted an estimated 300 heavily armed terrorists travelling on motorcycles from the Sunke-Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area on their way to Gummi, where they were allegedly planning coordinated attacks on communities.

According to the statement, three Nigerian Air Force aircraft were deployed after intelligence reports tracked the movement of the convoy.

As the aircraft approached, the terrorists reportedly dispersed and attempted to hide under trees, but precision airstrikes struck the formation, inflicting heavy losses and disrupting the planned assault.

The Theatre Command commended the Nigerian Air Force for the operation, describing the successful air interdiction as further evidence of the effectiveness of joint air and ground operations against terrorist groups in the North-West.

The command reiterated its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations aimed at restricting terrorists’ freedom of movement, protecting farming communities, safeguarding lives and property, and restoring peace across the region.