Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have repelled successive attacks by terrorists on communities in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, with air support from the operation’s Air Component.

The military disclosed that the operations, conducted on November 14, also led to the neutralisation of terrorists, recovery of weapons and seizure of two motorcycles in separate operations in Kaduna State.

In Anka, troops of Sector 2 responded to attacks by terrorists riding motorcycles on Wuya and Yarzabia communities.

The troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw. The terrorists later regrouped and launched a second attack but were again repelled.

Reinforcements were subsequently deployed to adjoining communities, while troops intensified patrols to prevent further incursions and reassure residents.

During a coordinated air-ground operation, the Air Component deployed a combat aircraft to support the ground troops. The aircraft reportedly identified terrorists attempting to move a large herd of suspected rustled cattle away from the affected communities.

The terrorists were engaged in multiple air strikes, which the military said neutralised scores of them.

In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 1 conducted a fighting patrol in Aguba Village, Kajuru Local Government Area, following intelligence on suspected terrorist activity around farmlands.

The troops encountered the terrorists and engaged them in a firefight, killing one while others fled. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two fabricated rifles, a mobile phone, substances suspected to be cannabis and other illicit drugs, as well as recharge cards.

In a separate operation along the Buruku-Kaduna Road, troops encountered armed terrorists following intelligence on their movement along the route.

The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee into a nearby forest and abandon two motorcycles, which were recovered.

The military said troops continued pursuit and exploitation operations to prevent the fleeing terrorists from regrouping and to deny them freedom of action.

The Theatre Command commended the troops for sustaining operational pressure against terrorist elements and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

It said the operations were aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and creating a secure environment for farming and other socio-economic activities across the North West.