Troops of Sector 1 and Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded significant operational successes in a series of intelligence-led operations conducted across Kaduna State and Zamfara State, reinforcing ongoing efforts to protect communities, disrupt terrorist networks and deny criminal elements freedom of movement across the North-West region.
The operations, carried out between June 18 and June 20, 2026, resulted in the rescue of kidnapped victims, the disruption of planned attacks, the arrest of suspected terrorists and informants, as well as the recovery of weapons, motorcycles and other logistics believed to have been intended for criminal activities.
According to military sources, troops of Sector 1 responded swiftly on June 18 to a distress call reporting the movement of armed bandits within a forested area in Kerawa, located in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Acting on the information received, the troops launched a rapid search-and-comb operation aimed at locating the suspected criminals and preventing further threats to nearby communities. Upon sighting the advancing security forces, the bandits reportedly abandoned three kidnap victims and fled deeper into the forest.
The rescued victims were identified as Bilkisu Hayatu, 38; Habibah Sadisu, 30; and one-year-old Abdulmutallib Sadisu.
The victims were immediately evacuated to a primary healthcare facility in Kadage for medical attention and further evaluation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had been abducted from Kajenjere Tami Village in Birnin Yero on May 17, 2026, and were being relocated to a terrorist hideout in Birnin Gwari before the troops intervened.
Security officials said the successful rescue operation highlights the importance of timely intelligence sharing and rapid response mechanisms in ongoing counterterrorism efforts across the region.
In a separate operation conducted during the early hours of June 20, troops of Sector 2, working in collaboration with other security agencies, foiled a planned terrorist attack on Gamdanda Village in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of armed terrorists towards the community, the troops laid a coordinated ambush on the outskirts of Gummi and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical positioning of the security forces, the terrorists were forced to retreat in disarray before they could carry out their planned attack.
Military sources disclosed that a subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, eight motorcycles and assorted food supplies believed to have been intended to sustain the terrorists during their operations.
The recovered items, according to security officials, dealt a significant blow to the operational capabilities and logistics chain of the criminal group.
Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2, in collaboration with personnel from the Defence Intelligence Agency, carried out a covert intelligence-driven 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 military custody pending further investigation and possible prosecution.
In another related development, troops apprehended a suspected terrorist identified as Muhammad Mamman after discrepancies emerged in his account of his identity and activities.
Military authorities stated that the suspect’s conflicting statements raised serious concerns, prompting a more detailed investigation into his alleged links to terrorist groups operating within the region.
Elsewhere in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2, reinforced by personnel from 1 Brigade, successfully repelled a terrorist attack on local communities.
According to military sources, the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce confrontation, inflicting heavy casualties on the fleeing terrorists. Blood trails observed along the criminals’ withdrawal route indicated substantial losses suffered during the encounter.
However, the operation came at a cost, as three soldiers lost their lives in the line of duty.
The military paid tribute to the fallen personnel, describing their sacrifice as a testament to the courage, professionalism and commitment of troops engaged in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry in the North-West.
Additionally, troops acting on intelligence reports intercepted the movement of terrorists travelling on motorcycles towards Tudun Barade and Badamma villages in Bakura Local Government Area.
An aggressive fighting patrol by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their mission and retreat before any attack could be executed, allowing security forces to maintain dominance in the area and reassure residents of their continued protection.
Military authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal elements across the North-West. They also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains a key component of Nigeria’s broader counterterrorism strategy aimed at restoring peace, improving security and enabling communities affected by terrorism and banditry to resume normal social and economic activities. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
