Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have intensified offensive operations across the North West, killing two terrorists and rescuing a kidnapped victim.
OPFY’s Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja disclosed on Tuesday that troops also arrested eight suspected collaborators and logistics facilitators and recovered 110 rustled cattle in a series of coordinated operations.
Danja said the operations, conducted between 27 and 28 June 2026 across Kaduna and Zamfara states, dealt fresh setbacks to terrorist and bandit networks operating in the region.
On 27 June, troops of Sector 1, alongside members of a vigilante group, engaged terrorists transporting kidnapped victims on motorcycles during a fighting patrol in Giwa and Kaduna North local government areas of Kaduna State. After a gun battle, the terrorists abandoned two motorcycles and fled into the bush. Troops rescued one abducted victim alive but recovered the body of another victim who had been killed by the attackers.
Later that day, troops responded to a terrorist attack on Dariya Village in Giwa Local Government Area, where one civilian was killed and three others injured before security forces arrived. Troops pursued the fleeing terrorists, intercepted them on motorcycles and killed two during a firefight. One motorcycle, ammunition, charms and other personal effects were recovered.
In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 acting on intelligence arrested two suspects in Magami, Gusau Local Government Area, for allegedly providing medical support to terrorist groups.
Also in Kaduna State, troops on fighting patrol around Polewire Village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area arrested six suspects found under suspicious circumstances after a clash with fleeing terrorists. The suspects are currently under investigation.
On 28 June, troops working with vigilantes tracked cattle rustlers in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State and laid an ambush along their suspected escape route at Ungwan Gora bush. The operation forced the rustlers to abandon 110 stolen cattle and flee. The recovered livestock were later returned to their rightful owners.
The Joint Task Force said it would sustain offensive operations to deny terrorists and bandits freedom of action while protecting lives and property across the North West. It also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
