Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have intensified offensive operations against terrorists and bandit groups across the North West, neutralizing two terrorists, rescuing a kidnapped victim, arresting eight suspected collaborators and logistics facilitators, and recovering 110 rustled cattle during coordinated operations conducted between June 27 and 28, 2026.
The Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed the operational successes in a statement issued on Monday, noting that the sustained military pressure continues to degrade the operational capabilities of criminal elements across the region.
According to the statement, on June 27, troops of Sector 1 working alongside members of the Vigilante Group engaged terrorists transporting kidnapped victims on motorcycles during fighting patrols in Giwa and Kaduna North Local Government Areas of Kaduna State. Following a fierce gun battle, the terrorists abandoned two motorcycles and fled into the bush.
The troops successfully rescued one kidnapped victim alive but sadly recovered the body of another victim who had been killed by the terrorists before the rescue operation.
Later the same day, troops responded swiftly to a terrorist attack on Dariya Village in Giwa Local Government Area, where one civilian was killed and three others sustained injuries before security forces arrived. Troops pursued the fleeing terrorists and intercepted them on motorcycles, leading to another exchange of fire in which two terrorists were neutralized. One motorcycle, ammunition, charms and other personal effects were recovered during the operation.
In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 acting on credible intelligence arrested two suspects in Magami, Gusau Local Government Area, for allegedly providing medical support to terrorist groups operating within the area.
Similarly, troops of Sector 1 arrested six additional suspects around Polewire Village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State after a firefight with fleeing terrorists. The suspects are currently undergoing investigation for their suspected links to criminal activities.
On June 28, troops in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group pursued cattle rustlers in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State and established a snap ambush along the criminals’ suspected escape route at Ungwan Gora bush. The sustained pressure forced the rustlers to abandon all the stolen livestock and flee, enabling troops to recover 110 rustled cattle, which were subsequently handed over to their rightful owners.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against terrorists and bandits while ensuring the safety and security of communities across the North West. The military also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations.
Operational Summary
- Terrorists Neutralized: 2
- Kidnap Victims Rescued: 1
- Kidnap Victim Found Dead: 1
- Suspected Terrorist Collaborators Arrested: 8
- Motorcycles Recovered: 3
- Rustled Cattle Recovered: 110
- Civilian Casualties: 1 killed, 3 injured during the attack on Dariya Village
