Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have dealt a significant blow to criminal networks operating across Kaduna and Zamfara States.
In a series of aggressive, intelligence-driven operations, security forces successfully rescued kidnapped victims, neutralized impending terrorist attacks, and arrested key suspects.
However, the military’s breakthrough came at a heavy cost, with three soldiers paying the supreme sacrifice during a fierce firefight.
According to an official statement released on Monday by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, the operations highlight the military’s ongoing commitment to denying terrorists and bandits freedom of action across the region.
On June 18, 2026, troops from Sector 1 responded to urgent distress calls reporting armed bandit movements within the Kerawa forest area in the Igabi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.
Advancing with speed and precision, the troops combed the dense terrain, forcing the criminals to flee. In their haste to escape, the bandits abandoned three hostages:
Mrs. Bilkisu Hayatu (38)
Mrs. Habibah Sadisu (30)
Abdulmutallib Sadisu (1-year-old child)
Preliminary investigations revealed the victims had been abducted over a month prior—on May 17, 2026—from Kajenjere Tami Village, Birnin Yero.
The bandits were attempting to relocate them to a notorious hideout in Birnin Gwari when the military intervened.
The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a Primary Healthcare Clinic in Kadage for medical treatment.
Terror Attacks Foiled, Supply Lines Disrupted
In the early hours of June 20, 2026, troops of Sector 2, collaborating with sister security agencies, intercepted plans for a major terrorist assault on Gamdanda Village in the Gummi LGA of Zamfara State.
Acting on credible intelligence, security forces laid a coordinated ambush on the outskirts of the Gummi community.
Upon engaging the approaching terrorists, troops unleashed overwhelming firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.
Items Recovered at the Scene: Weapons, ammunition, eight motorcycles, and assorted food items—effectively disrupting the cell’s logistical and operational capabilities.
In a separate development in Bakura LGA, an aggressive fighting patrol intercepted terrorists riding motorcycles toward Tudun Barade and Badamma villages.
The swift military presence forced the assailants to abandon their mission and retreat before harming residents.
Fierce Battle in Maru: Three Soldiers Killed
The military recorded major casualties against the terrorists in Maru LGA, where troops successfully repelled a massive assault after receiving timely reinforcements from the 1 Brigade.
While blood trails along the withdrawal routes indicated that the terrorists suffered heavy losses, the encounter proved costly for the Nigerian forces.
Three gallant soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the intense gun battle.
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Crackdown on Informants and Extremists
The joint task force also made significant strides on the intelligence front.
A covert operation conducted alongside the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Zamfara State led to the arrest of four suspected violent extremists and informants. Several incriminating items were recovered during the raid.
Additionally, troops apprehended a suspected terrorist identified as Muhammad Mamman. Security officials noted that Mamman’s conflicting claims regarding his identity and activities raised serious red flags.
All suspects are currently undergoing detailed interrogation ahead of prosecution.
Command Honours Fallen Heroes, Reassures Public
Reacting to the developments, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the resilience and professionalism of the personnel on the ground.
He paid a solemn tribute to the fallen heroes, praising their unwavering dedication to defending the nation.
The Command extended its gratitude to the public for providing the timely intelligence that made these operations successful, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security forces to restore lasting peace to the North West region.
