Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, under Operation Fansan Yamma in Nigeria, have successfully dismantled multiple terrorist camps around Birchi Hill in the Danmusa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State.
According a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator, Joint Media Coordination Centre, this decisive action followed reliable intelligence about intensified terrorist activities in the area, which had resulted in attacks on local communities in Danmusa, Safana, and Kankara LGAs on December 19, 2024.
The operation combined ground forces with precision airstrikes to target the camps and disrupt the terrorists’ operations, aiming to restore peace to the affected regions.
The Air Component launched multiple strikes on identified terrorist positions, inflicting significant damage during several passes over the area.
“Despite the air strikes, some surviving terrorists attempted to regroup in the vicinity of Bichi Hill, leading to a fierce firefight with ground troops. This engagement lasted for several hours, but the terrorists were ultimately overpowered by the troops superior firepower.
“As a further blow to the terrorists’ ability to escape, the Air Component platforms tracked fleeing terrorists on motorcycles and conducted additional successful strike against them,” the statement partly read.
Reports from local sources suggest the operation inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists, including the elimination of key figures such as Manore and Dogo Nahalle. Alongside neutralising the terrorists, the troops dismantled several camps in the area, significantly undermining the group’s operational capabilities.
Communities in Maidabino, Yantumaki, Mara, and other parts of Danmusa and Safana LGAs, which had faced persistent threats and displacement caused by the terrorists, are expected to experience improved security following the operation.
The Joint Task Force has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and ensuring the safety of all residents. The public is urged to avoid offering refuge or support to criminal elements.
“In light of the recent successes, the Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma want to again reassure the public of our commitment to safeguarding the lives of the people and urged them to refrain from harbouring or supporting criminal elements in any form.
“The Theatre Commander Operation Fansan Yamma Major General Oluyinka Olalekan Soyele on behalf of the troops expresses his resolve to combat terrorism and all forms of crimes in the Northwest Zone and Niger State towards ensuring peace and security in the affected communities,” the statement concluded.
