Two Terrorists Neutralized, 110 Rustled Cattle Recovered in Northwest Crackdown

​KADUNA & ZAMFARA — In a major breakthrough against banditry and terrorism, troops of the Joint Task Force Northwest, Operation Fansan Yamma, have neutralized two terrorists, rescued a kidnapped victim, and intercepted eight suspected logistics facilitators. The highly coordinated operations, executed across Kaduna and Zamfara states between June 27 and 28, 2026, also led to the recovery of 110 rustled cattle.

​According to an official statement released on June 29 by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, the relentless offensive is part of a broader strategy to deny criminal elements freedom of action in the region.

​Bloodbath in Giwa as Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt

​The weekend operations began on June 27 when a combined team of Sector 1 troops and local vigilantes conducting fighting patrols in the Giwa and Kaduna North Local Government Areas (LGAs) intercepted terrorists moving abducted victims on motorcycles.

​A fierce gun duel ensued, forcing the criminals to abandon two motorcycles and flee into the nearby forests. While troops successfully rescued one victim alive, they tragically recovered the body of another captive who had been killed by the terrorists before the military’s intervention.

​Later that same day, the frontline widened as troops responded to a distress call regarding an ongoing terrorist assault on Dariya Village in Giwa LGA. Although one civilian was killed and three others injured before security forces arrived, troops aggressively pursued the fleeing bandits. The interception resulted in a heavy firefight, neutralizing two terrorists and yielding a recovered motorcycle, ammunition, and charms.

​Crackdown on Terror Networks: Informants and Medics Nabbed

​Beyond direct combat, Operation Fansan Yamma expanded its intelligence-led operations to dismantle the administrative support networks powering the insurgency.

• ​Zamfara State (Sector 2): In Magami, Gusau LGA, intelligence operatives arrested two high-value suspects believed to be providing critical medical services to wounded terrorists hiding out in the forests.
• ​Birnin Gwari (Sector 1): Following a separate encounter with fleeing terrorists near Polewire Village, troops apprehended six individuals found under highly suspicious circumstances. All eight suspects are currently undergoing rigorous interrogation to map out the network’s logistics chains.

​110 Rustled Cattle Restored to Owners

​The offensive moved into Chikun LGA on June 28, targeting economic sabotage. Sector 1 troops, working alongside local vigilante groups, tracked a syndicate of cattle rustlers fleeing through the Ungwan Gora bush.

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​Recognizing their escape path, troops established a strategic snap ambush. Under intense tactical pressure from the advancing forces, the rustlers abandoned their stolen livestock and escaped into the thick terrain. A total of 110 rustled cattle were successfully recovered and have since been returned to their rightful communities.

​Military Resolves to Sustain Momentum

​Lieutenant Colonel Danja emphasized that the military remains unyielding in its mission to protect lives and property across the Northwest geopolitical zone. He further urged members of the public to actively support the ongoing operations by rendering timely and credible intelligence to nearby security formations.

​For further context on how the Nigerian military has structured this joint theatre operation to eliminate non-state actors, you can view this report detailing the Army Chief’s Orders for Operation Fansan Yamma. This video highlights the strategic directives given to troops in the region to sustain their offensive momentum.