Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed a terrorist lieutenant and recovered weapons during a clearance operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation took place on 29 August. According to Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, media officer of the task force, Sector 2 troops encountered armed resistance as they advanced into identified hideouts. The attackers later fled.

During a search of the area, troops confirmed the death of a fighter identified as Smally, described as a lieutenant of Kachalla Muhammadu Filani. They recovered three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition and six motorcycles.

The military said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and deny them freedom of movement in the North West. The task force said offensive patrols would continue in the area.