Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised a key terrorist commander and recovered arms, ammunition and motorcycles during a clearance operation in Katsina State.

The operation was conducted on Saturday, August 30, 2026, by troops of Sector 2 in identified terrorist enclaves in Matazu Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the troops encountered stiff resistance from armed terrorists during the operation.

He said the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee the area.

During an exploitation of the operational area, the troops confirmed the killing of a terrorist commander identified as Smally, who was said to be operating under the notorious terrorist leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.

The troops also recovered three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines, 180 rounds of ammunition and six motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists.

Danja said the operation was part of the ongoing offensive by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustain pressure on terrorist networks and dismantle their operational capabilities across the Joint Operations Area.

He said the troops remained committed to taking the fight to the terrorists, denying them freedom of action and creating conditions for the restoration of lasting peace and security in affected communities.