Troops repel terrorist attacks in Zamfara, kill suspect in Kaduna

By Kingsley Omonobi Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have repelled successive terrorist attacks on communities in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while neutralising a suspected terrorist and recovering weapons and motorcycles in separate operations in Kaduna State. The operations, conducted on November 14, 2026, also involved air support from the Air Component of the Joint Task Force, which reportedly neutralised scores of terrorists during strikes on suspected armed groups attempting to flee with rustled cattle.

In a statement, the Joint Task Force said troops of Sector 2 responded to attacks by terrorists riding motorcycles on Wuya and Yarzabia communities in Anka Local Government Area. According to the statement, the troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat. The terrorists subsequently regrouped and launched a second wave of attacks but were again repelled by the troops, who maintained their defensive positions.

Reinforcements later arrived and extended operations to neighbouring communities, while troops sustained aggressive patrols to prevent further incursions and reassure residents. The task force said the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma also deployed a combat aircraft to support ground troops responding to the attacks. During the operation, the aircraft reportedly identified a group of terrorists attempting to move a large herd of suspected rustled cattle away from the affected communities.

The terrorists were subsequently engaged in multiple air strikes, which reportedly neutralised scores of them. In a separate operation in Kaduna State, troops of Sector 1, acting on intelligence about suspected terrorist activities around farmlands in Aguba Village, Kajuru Local Government Area, conducted a fighting patrol to the area. The troops encountered the suspected terrorists and engaged them in a firefight, neutralising 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 another operation on the same day, troops acting on intelligence about the movement of terrorists along the Buruku-Kaduna Road encountered armed suspects and engaged them in a firefight.

The terrorists reportedly fled into a nearby forest, abandoning two motorcycles, which were recovered by the troops. The task force said troops continued pursuit and exploitation operations to prevent the fleeing suspects from regrouping or carrying out further attacks. It described the operations as part of sustained efforts to maintain pressure on terrorist groups, protect vulnerable communities and create a secure environment for farming and other socioeconomic activities across the North-West.

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their resilience and fighting spirit, urging them to sustain the operational momentum. It also called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring that the Joint Task Force remained committed to restoring lasting peace and security across the region.