Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed a senior terrorist operative and recovered weapons and ammunition during a clearance operation in Katsina State.
The operation was carried out on Saturday, August 29, as troops of Sector 2 moved into identified terrorist enclaves in Matazu Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the troops encountered resistance from armed terrorists during the operation.
He said the soldiers responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to withdraw from the area.
“During exploitation of the area, troops confirmed the neutralisation of a terrorist identified as Smally, a lieutenant of notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani,” Danja said.
The troops recovered three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines and 180 rounds of ammunition from the terrorists.
Danja also said six motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists were recovered during the operation.
The operation, according to the military, forms part of the ongoing offensive by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustain pressure on terrorist groups and disrupt their operations across the Joint Operations Area.
The Joint Task Force said the troops remained committed to denying terrorists freedom of movement and creating conditions for lasting peace in communities affected by their activities.
“Troops remain resolute in taking the fight to the terrorists, denying them freedom of action and creating conditions for the restoration of lasting peace and security across affected communities,” Danja said.