Sector 2 troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have taken the battle to bandits camps in Sokoto and Katsina states, North West Nigeria.

Troops dealt heavy blows on terrorists and bandits in a string of coordinated operations across Sokoto and Katsina States on June 21-22, 2026.

The missions neutralized armed fighters, foiled an attack and kidnapping attempt, rescued abductees, and recovered weapons and rustled livestock. The Force said the results reflected the determination to take the fight directly to criminal enclaves and restore peace in the North West.

The first clash happened on June 21 when terrorists tried to infiltrate Tureta town in Sokoto State. Acting on actionable intelligence, troops engaged them quickly and forced the criminals to abandon their mission and flee. Aerial surveillance then tracked the fleeing group to Sulubawa Gidan Kare village, where they were moving with abducted civilians and stolen cattle. Troops pursued them immediately.

Even after the terrorists set up a hasty ambush, the troops pushed through with superior firepower and courage. They scattered the criminals, rescued the abducted civilians unharmed, recovered the rustled cattle, and seized 2 motorcycles used by the terrorists. The rescue ended what could have been a deadly kidnapping operation.

Early on June 22, troops followed up with an intelligence-driven dawn raid on a known terrorist hideout in Matazu LGA, Katsina State. The surprise assault overwhelmed the group. Two terrorists were neutralised in the firefight while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. Troops then swept the enclave and made significant recoveries.

The sweep yielded one PKT assault rifle, one AK-47 with ammunition, 3 motorcycles, mobile phones, more rustled livestock, and other logistics used to support their operations. JTF NW Operation FANSAN YAMMA assured the public that aggressive, intelligence-led operations will continue until all terrorist networks are dismantled and lasting security is restored across the region.