Troops kill two terrorists, recover 110 cows in N’West operations

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have intensified offensive operations against terrorists and bandits across the North-West, neutralising two suspected terrorists, rescuing a kidnapped victim, arresting eight suspected collaborators, and recovering 110 rustled cows during coordinated operations conducted between June 27 and 28, 2026.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt Col Aliyu Danja, the operations were carried out across Kaduna and Zamfara states, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore security in the region.

A combined team of Sector 1 troops and members of the Vigilante Group, while conducting fighting patrols in Giwa and Kaduna North local government areas of Kaduna State on June 27, engaged terrorists transporting kidnapped victims on motorcycles.

“Following a fierce exchange of fire, the terrorists abandoned two motorcycles and fled into the surrounding bush.

“Troops rescued one kidnapped victim alive, while sadly recovering the body of another victim who had been killed by the terrorists,” Danja said.

The statement added that troops later responded to reports of a terrorist attack on Dariya Village in Giwa Local Government Area, where one civilian was killed and three others were injured before security personnel arrived.

“Pursuing the fleeing terrorists, the troops intercepted them on motorcycles and engaged them in a firefight, neutralising two of the terrorists.

“During the encounter, one motorcycle, some rounds of ammunition, charms and other personal effects were recovered,” the statement read.

In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2, acting on intelligence, arrested two suspects in Magami, Gusau Local Government Area, who were believed to have been providing medical support to terrorist groups operating in the area.

Meanwhile, troops of Sector 1 arrested six suspects around Polewire Village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State after encountering fleeing terrorists during a fighting patrol.

The suspects are currently under investigation.

On June 28, troops working alongside members of the Vigilante Group in Chikun Local Government Area tracked suspected cattle rustlers and laid an ambush along their escape route at Ungwan Gora bush.

“The sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the rustlers to abandon the stolen livestock and flee, leading to the successful recovery of all 110 rustled cows. The recovered cattle were subsequently handed over to their rightful owners,” Danja stated.

Reaffirming the task force’s commitment to combating insecurity, Danja said, “The Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma remains committed to sustaining offensive operations aimed at denying terrorist and criminal groups freedom of action while safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens across the North West.”

He also appealed to residents to continue supporting security operations by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.