By Tunji Braimoh,Abuja 

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded major operational successes in Zamfara State, neutralising terrorists, recovering arms and intercepting a courier allegedly transporting 180 explosive devices intended for terrorist groups operating in the North-West.

According to military sources, the achievements were recorded during ongoing offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and disrupting criminal networks across the region. The operations underscore the military’s sustained efforts to degrade the capabilities of armed groups threatening peace and security in the North-West.

On August 14, 2026, troops of Sector 2 conducting a clearance operation in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State engaged terrorists around Garin Kaso in a fierce gun battle. Two terrorists were confirmed killed during the encounter, while troops recovered two rifles, two magazines, nine rounds of ammunition and two motorcycles.

Military authorities disclosed that as the operation continued, another group of terrorists launched an ambush from concealed positions. The troops responded swiftly, repelling the attack, inflicting additional casualties on the terrorists and forcing the surviving members of the group to flee the area.

Although the exact number of casualties from the second encounter has yet to be verified, reports from surrounding communities indicated that several wounded terrorists and the bodies of those killed were evacuated by fleeing fighters. Security officials noted that the development reflects the growing pressure being exerted on terrorist networks through sustained military offensives.

In a separate operation on the same day, troops conducting routine vehicle checks intercepted a suspected arms and explosives courier identified as 57-year-old Sani Umar. A search of his vehicle reportedly led to the recovery of 180 units of 20mm Super Power explosives allegedly being transported from Gusau in Zamfara State to suspected terrorist elements in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State. The suspect, the vehicle and the recovered explosives have been taken into custody for further investigation.

Military authorities said the operations demonstrate Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s commitment to simultaneously targeting terrorist hideouts and dismantling the logistics networks that supply weapons, explosives and other resources used to carry out attacks. The Theatre Command reaffirmed its determination to sustain the ongoing offensive and deny terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action throughout the North-West region.