Troops kill terrorist commander, foil attacks in Zamfara, Katsina

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West have killed Alhaji Tukur, a notorious terrorist commander and younger brother of terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.

The troops also recovered arms and other combat equipment during operations in Zamfara and Katsina states.

The operation also foiled coordinated terrorist attacks on July 7, 2026.

Aliyu Danja, the spokesperson for Operation Fansan Yamma, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

“In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 responded swiftly to credible intelligence indicating an impending terrorist attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area,” he said.

He said the troops, working alongside local security volunteers, engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle and repelled the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat with several casualties.

According to him, troops responding to an attack on farmers around Dogon Kade neutralised Alhaji Tukur, younger brother of terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.

“Several other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds and fled the area,” he said.

Mr Danja stated that in a separate operation on the same day at Sabon Gari, in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops mobilised following reports of terrorist activities.

“On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists abandoned their mission and fled into nearby bushes. A subsequent exploitation of the area led to the neutralisation of one terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle used by the fleeing terrorists,” he said.

In Katsina State, Mr Danja said troops of Sector 2, while on a fighting patrol, engaged terrorists along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area.

According to him, the troops overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their position and flee.

Items recovered included two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition, and one motorcycle.

Mr Danja also said troops, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a large group of about 300 terrorists on motorcycles moving from the Sunke–Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area in Gummi Local Government Area with the intention of attacking civilians.

He said three air platforms were deployed along the terrorists’ route.

“The terrorists attempted to flee for cover under trees but were successfully engaged and neutralised with precision airstrikes, thwarting their nefarious plan,” he said.