Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded a series of operational successes across Katsina and Zamfara states, rescuing a kidnapped district head, repelling multiple terrorist attacks, and recovering arms, ammunition and other equipment during coordinated operations aimed at curbing insecurity in the North West.
The military said the operations, conducted on July 2, 2026, dealt fresh blows to terrorist groups operating in the region and reflected the sustained offensive against criminal elements responsible for attacks on communities and security personnel.
One of the most significant operations took place in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, where troops, working in collaboration with other security agencies, successfully rescued the District Head of Farin Hawa Village, Mubarak Sharin, who had been abducted by armed terrorists.
According to the military, the assailants, riding on several motorcycles, stormed the community and whisked the traditional leader away before security forces launched a pursuit. The troops caught up with the fleeing terrorists, leading to a fierce gun battle during which one of the attackers was neutralized. The remaining terrorists fled into nearby terrain under sustained military pressure, allowing the troops to rescue the district head unharmed.
The rescue operation is considered another boost to ongoing efforts by security forces to respond swiftly to distress calls and deny terrorists the opportunity to hold kidnapped victims for ransom or use them as bargaining chips.
In another operation in Danmusa Local Government Area, troops of Sector 2 encountered terrorists between Amara and Chakau Junction while on a fighting patrol.
The terrorists reportedly opened fire after sighting the advancing troops in what appeared to be an attempt to halt the patrol.
However, the soldiers responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the area. A subsequent search of the scene led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with eight rounds of ammunition and two motorcycles believed to have been used by the fleeing terrorists during their operations.
Security forces also recorded success in Dutsinma Local Government Area, where troops, supported by other security agencies and local vigilantes, responded to reports of a terrorist attack on communities around Sabon Garin and Dantakeri villages.
The joint security team engaged the attackers in a gun battle that resulted in the death of one terrorist, while others escaped with varying degrees of injuries, according to the military. The prompt response by the troops was said to have prevented further attacks on residents and limited the activities of the armed group.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Zamfara State, troops deployed under Sector 2 successfully repelled another terrorist assault on their location at Dauran in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
The military disclosed that the terrorists launched an attack on the troops’ position but met stiff resistance. Reinforcements from a fighting patrol were immediately deployed to support the troops, resulting in a prolonged exchange of gunfire that eventually forced the attackers to retreat.
Following the operation, security personnel recovered one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 35 rounds of ammunition, a bandolier and a CamelBak hydration pack abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
Military authorities described the recoveries as another indication that sustained offensive operations continue to degrade the capabilities of terrorist groups operating across the North West.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA noted that the latest operations form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their movement and restore normalcy to communities affected by insecurity.
The Joint Task Force also praised the courage, professionalism and resilience displayed by its personnel throughout the operations. It equally acknowledged the support of other security agencies and local vigilante groups, stressing that collaboration among security stakeholders remains vital to ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the region.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups through intelligence-driven operations, aggressive patrols and rapid responses to security threats. It also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations.
According to the military, such cooperation remains essential in denying criminal elements freedom of movement and ensuring lasting peace across the North West.
The statement detailing the operations was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and released on Friday, July 3, 2026. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
