Troops repel terrorist attacks in Katsina, Zamfara, rescue district head

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have repelled multiple terrorist attacks, rescued an abducted district head and recovered arms during coordinated operations in Katsina and Zamfara states.

The development was contained in a post shared on Friday by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, via his X handle.

According to military sources cited by Makama, the operations were conducted on July 2 as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorist groups in the North-West.

In Katsina State, troops on a fighting patrol engaged terrorists between Amara and Chakau Junction in Danmusa Local Government Area after the attackers opened fire on them.

The troops overpowered the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandon an AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and two motorcycles.

In another operation near Sabon Garin and Dantakeri villages in Dutsinma Local Government Area, troops, alongside other security agencies and local vigilantes, repelled a terrorist attack, killing one of the assailants while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Security operatives also rescued the District Head of Farin Hawa Village in Malumfashi Local Government Area, Mubarak Sharin, who had been abducted by terrorists.

The kidnappers were intercepted during a pursuit operation, leading to a gun battle in which one suspect was killed and the district head rescued unharmed.

Meanwhile, troops successfully repelled an attack on their position at Dauran in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

A follow-up operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 35 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a bandolier and a hydration pack abandoned by the fleeing attackers.

The military commended the troops, security agencies and local vigilantes involved in the operations and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the offensive against terrorist groups across the North-West.