Troops Kill Terrorist Lieutenant, Recover Arms In Katsina

Photo combo of Troops and items recovered. Credit: HQ Nigerian Army/Facebook

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed a suspected key terrorist lieutenant and recovered weapons, ammunition and motorcycles during a clearance operation in Katsina State.

The operation was conducted on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in identified terrorist enclaves in Matazu Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement on Sunday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said troops of Sector 2 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 a subsequent search of the area, the troops confirmed the death of a terrorist identified as “Smally”, whom the Army described as a lieutenant to a 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.

The Army said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and degrade their operational capabilities across the Joint Operations Area.

It added that troops would continue to maintain pressure on terrorist groups, deny them freedom of action and create conditions conducive to restoring peace and security in affected communities.