Notorious terrorist commander killed as troops intensify offensive in Katsina, Zamfara​

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised a notorious terrorist commander, foiled coordinated attacks and recovered weapons during separate military operations in Zamfara and Katsina states.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, on July 7, 2026.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 2, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted terrorists planning attacks on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Working alongside local security volunteers, the troops engaged the attackers in a gun battle and forced them to retreat with casualties.

The statement added that troops later responded to an attack on farmers around Dogon Kade, where they neutralised a notorious terrorist commander identified as Alhaji Tukur, described as the younger brother of terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.

In another operation, the military said Sabon Gari in Kaura Namoda led to the neutralisation of one suspected terrorist after the attacker abandoned their mission on sighting advancing troops.

Troops also recovered a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing suspects.

In Katsina State, the statement said troops on a fighting patrol engaged suspected terrorists along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area, forcing them to flee while recovering two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle.

The statement added that the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA also intercepted about 300 terrorists travelling on motorcycles between the Sunke-Kumbo axis and the Bayazaki riverine area in Gummi, Zamfara State. It said the group was targeted with precision airstrikes after attempting to take cover, preventing what the military described as a planned attack on civilians.

“The Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal elements across the theatre, and reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to denying terrorists freedom of action, protecting lives and livelihoods, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North West,” the statement said.