Nigerian troops have killed a notorious bandit commander, repelled multiple attacks and carried out airstrikes on a convoy of around 300 terrorists in a series of operations across Zamfara and Katsina states, the Joint Task Force (JTF) North-West has announced.
The operations, conducted on 7 July and detailed in a statement on Tuesday by JTF Media Information Officer Lt-Col Aliyu Danja, involved ground troops of Operation Fansan Yamma supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 working with local security volunteers responded to intelligence of an imminent attack on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area (LGA), engaging the terrorists in a fierce gun battle and forcing them to retreat with casualties.
In a separate operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers killed a bandit commander identified as Alhaji Tukur, said to be the younger brother of wanted kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.
Several other terrorists were reportedly wounded before fleeing.
Also in Kaura Namoda, troops moved on reports of terrorist activity in Sabon Gari community.
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The militants fled into nearby bushes on sighting the advancing soldiers, and a follow-up search led to the killing of one additional terrorist and the recovery of a motorcycle.
In Katsina State, troops on patrol along the Danmusa-Yantumaki axis in Danmusa LGA engaged another group of terrorists and forced them to abandon their position.
A search of the area yielded two AK-47 rifles, two magazines containing 25 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle.
The key action came when the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma intercepted a convoy of around 300 terrorists travelling on motorcycles from the Sunke-Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area, believed to be heading for Gummi in Zamfara State.
Three NAF aircraft were deployed after intelligence indicated the group was mobilising for coordinated community attacks.
The aircraft tracked the convoy before carrying out precision airstrikes after the militants attempted to disperse and take cover under trees.
According to the military, several terrorists were neutralised and the planned attack disrupted, without providing a specific casualty figure.
The JTF commended the NAF for its swift intervention and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and criminal elements across the North-West.
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