By Tunji Ojo
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised two key commanders of a terrorist network during an intelligence-led operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation, conducted on Monday by troops of Sector 2, targeted Kogo Village, where notorious terrorist leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Filani, and members of his network were reportedly hiding.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the troops encountered the terrorists and engaged them with a high volume of fire, killing two senior members of the group.
The slain commanders were identified as Hamisu, also known as MAMIYO, a notorious gunrunner and second-in-command to Muhammadu Filani, and Umar Bocho, another key leader of the terrorist network.
Danja said Muhammadu Filani escaped from the encounter with gunshot wounds as the troops continued to exploit the area.
He described the operation as a significant blow to the terrorist network, noting that the elimination of the two commanders would further degrade its operational capability and disrupt its criminal activities in the area.
The military however urged residents and medical personnel in Matazu and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious person seeking treatment for gunshot wounds to the nearest security agency.
It added that troops were continuing operations to track the fleeing terrorist leader and clear the area of remaining threats.
The Joint Task Force said Operation FANSAN YAMMA would sustain intelligence-led offensive operations across its Joint Operations Area to dismantle terrorist networks, deny criminal elements freedom of action and restore peace and security to affected communities in the North-West.
