The troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West), deployed in the States of Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara, under Operation Fansan Yamma, have continued to embark on a series of coordinated military operations to evacuate kidnapped victims, dispose of suspected terrorists and recover firearms and stolen livestock. In Zamfara State, however, the military confirmed that three soldiers died during one of the operations, but did not disclose the exact location.

The military said, “the military operations occurred from June 18 to 22 and were part of a series of offensives against the terrorist and bandit activities in North-West states.”

First, a group of terrorists was attempting to go into Tureta town in Sokoto State, but was stopped by the troops, the Media Information Officer Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja said. This was followed by soldiers engaging the attackers and driving them off. Military surveillance aircraft later located the suspects who were seen moving with the kidnapped civilians and rustling livestock in the village of Sulubawa Gidan Kare.

The troops went after the terrorists and neutralised an ambush before being able to secure the release of the kidnapped people. They also retrieved the stolen cattle and took two motorcycles that were allegedly used in the operation.

The troops in Katsina State conducted a surprise raid on an alleged terrorist hiding place in Matazu Local Government Area in the early morning of June 22. Two suspected terrorists were killed, and others were wounded in the gunfight. A PKT rifle, an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, communication and three motorcycles were recovered from the camp, along with livestock.

Meanwhile, security forces deployed in response to a distress call in Kaduna State, rescued two women and a one-year-old child from kidnappers in the Kerawa area of Igabi Local Government Area. The victims were Bilkisu Hayatu, Habibah Sadisu and Abdulmutallib Sadisu, who was 1-year-old, who were reportedly left behind by their kidnappers when troops arrived on the scene. Rescued family members were transported to a health care centre. Initial investigations revealed that they were abducted from Kajenjere Tami Village, Birnin Yero on the 17th May 2026. 

Troops dispatched on intelligence in Zamfara State thwarted a planned attack on a village called Gamdanda in Gummi Local Government Area. Security forces set up an ambush, and the attackers fled when they were met with a volley of gunfire. In follow-up operations, troops recovered weapons, ammunition, eight motorcycles and food supplies that were allegedly meant for terrorist operations.

In Zamfara, the military also confirmed the arrest of four suspected violent extremists and informers by separate intelligence-led operations. Muhammad Mamman was also arrested after he allegedly gave conflicting statements about his identity and activities.

In another head-to-head conflict in Maru Local Government Area, troops led by reinforcements were successful in fending off the attack by the terrorists, who suffered heavy casualties. During this exchange, however, three soldiers lost their lives, the military said, calling them “gallant soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Another terrorist hideout in Katsina State was also overrun by troops of 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Operation Clean Sweep III, killing two of the terrorists and seizing machine guns, ammunition, motorcycles, communication devices, livestock and military-style clothing. The Army reported that there were no casualties in that operation.

In the meantime, the security situation in Niger State has escalated following suspected bandits’ incursions in communities of the local government area of Zugurma in the State. 

Police stated that the joint security forces deployed in response as armed men attacked a Police Post and blocked the Mokwa-Bussa Road, forcing the attackers to flee into the Ibbi Forest to restore normal traffic movement in the area.