By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded significant operational successes in Kaduna State, including the recovery of rustled livestock, the arrest of suspected bandits and the restoration of public order in troubled communities.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the achievements were recorded during a series of coordinated operations conducted between June 20 and 21, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities in the North-West region.
Danja disclosed that on June 20, troops acted on credible intelligence regarding cattle rustling activities in a Kaduna community and swiftly moved to intercept the criminals.
He said the troops engaged the fleeing suspects in a firefight, neutralising two suspected bandits and recovering weapons, ammunition, other items and the rustled livestock.
“The prompt intervention disrupted the criminal operation and enabled the recovery of the stolen animals. Regrettably, one civilian lost his life during the incident as a result of the bandits’ actions,” he stated.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops on night patrol intercepted two suspected bandits. Preliminary investigations, according to Danja, uncovered incriminating digital materials linking the suspects to terrorist and bandit activities.
The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.
The military spokesman further revealed that on June 21, troops conducting a fighting patrol encountered armed criminals who retreated into nearby bushes after coming under pressure from security forces.
He said the troops maintained pursuit and successfully arrested two suspected bandit scouts while recovering motorcycles and communication devices containing incriminating evidence.
“Preliminary findings indicate the suspects’ involvement in criminal activities, while investigations are ongoing,” Danja added.
Also on June 21, troops responded to a civil disturbance in Mararraba community following the mob killing of a woman accused of child trafficking.
The crowd was said to have attempted to attack public infrastructure and block a major highway before security personnel intervened.
Danja noted that troops quickly restored law and order, dispersed the mob, secured critical facilities and ensured the free flow of traffic while maintaining a visible presence in the area to prevent further unrest.
Commending the troops for their professionalism, the Theatre Commander praised their vigilance, discipline and operational effectiveness.
He said the recent operational successes demonstrated the resolve of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to relentlessly pursue terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements across the region.
The commander assured residents that ongoing offensive and intelligence-led operations would be sustained to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security in Kaduna State and the wider North-West region.