By Saminu Ibrahim
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have repelled successive terrorist attacks on communities in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, with air support neutralising scores of terrorists.
The troops also neutralised a terrorist and recovered two locally fabricated rifles, two motorcycles and other items during separate operations in Kaduna State.
SINL Nigeria Online reports that the operations, conducted on November 14, 2026, formed part of sustained military efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent criminal elements from operating freely across the North-West.
In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 responded to attacks by motorcycle-riding terrorists on Wuya and Yarzabia communities in Anka Local Government Area.
The troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat. However, the terrorists regrouped and launched a second wave of attacks but were again repelled by the troops, who successfully held their defensive positions.
Reinforcements subsequently arrived and extended operations to neighbouring communities, while sustained patrols were mounted to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.
In a coordinated air-ground operation, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA deployed a combat aircraft to support ground troops responding to the attacks.
During the mission, the aircraft identified a group of terrorists attempting to move a large herd of suspected rustled cattle away from the affected communities.
The terrorists were subsequently engaged in multiple air strikes, which reportedly neutralised scores of them.
Similarly, troops of Sector 1 operating in Kaduna State neutralised a suspected terrorist during a fighting patrol around farmlands in Aguba Village, Kajuru Local Government Area.
The troops had acted on intelligence about suspected terrorist activities in the area before encountering the armed group in a firefight. Other members of the group reportedly fled.
A search of the area led to the recovery of two fabricated rifles, a mobile phone, substances suspected to be cannabis and other illicit drugs, as well as recharge cards.
In another operation along the Buruku–Kaduna Road, troops engaged suspected terrorists following intelligence reports about their movement in the area.
The terrorists reportedly fled into a nearby forest after being overwhelmed by the troops’ firepower, abandoning two motorcycles which were recovered by the soldiers.
Troops subsequently intensified pursuit and exploitation operations to track down the fleeing suspects and deny them freedom of movement.
The Theatre Command said the operations demonstrated the determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustain pressure on terrorist groups, protect vulnerable communities and create a safe environment for farming and other socioeconomic activities across the North-West.
It commended the troops for their resilience and fighting spirit, urging them to maintain the operational momentum.
The command also called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, assuring that the Joint Task Force remained committed to restoring lasting peace and security across the region.
