Troops of Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded a series of significant operational gains across Kaduna State, neutralising two suspected bandits, arresting four others, recovering rustled livestock and restoring public order in affected communities during coordinated operations conducted between June 20 and 21, 2026.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops on June 20 acted swiftly on credible intelligence regarding cattle rustling activities in a Kaduna community. Moving to intercept the fleeing criminals, the troops engaged them in a firefight during which two suspected bandits were neutralised. Weapons, ammunition and the rustled livestock were recovered from the scene.

However, the military confirmed that one civilian lost his life during the incident as a result of the bandits’ actions before troops arrived.

In a follow-up operation the next day, June 21, troops acted on fresh intelligence and intercepted two suspected bandit scouts operating in the area. The suspects were apprehended alongside motorcycles and communication devices containing what the military described as suspected incriminating information linking them to broader criminal operations in the region.

Preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of their involvement in banditry networks across the state.

Troops also intervened in a separate civil disturbance at the Mararraba community in Kaduna State, where a mob killing had taken place. A woman accused of child trafficking was killed by an angry crowd, which subsequently attempted to attack public infrastructure and block a major highway. Security forces deployed to the scene, swiftly dispersed the crowd, secured critical facilities and restored normal movement along the road.

The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their vigilance, discipline and operational effectiveness, describing the latest results as a demonstration of the military’s determination to sustain pressure on bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements across the North-West. He reaffirmed that intelligence-led offensive operations would continue in order to dismantle criminal networks and improve security across Kaduna State and the wider region.