Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps, Eliminate Top Bandit Leaders
Troops under the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma have successfully dismantled multiple terrorist camps near Bichi Hill in the Danmusa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State.
According to a statement by the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, the operation was launched following credible intelligence about terrorist activities in the area, which had led to attacks on local communities in Danmusa, Safana, and Kankara LGAs on December 19, 2024.
“In a combined ground and air offensive, troops targeted these camps in an effort to dismantle the terrorists’ operations and restore peace to the affected areas. The operation involved precision air strikes conducted by the Air Component on identified terrorist locations during multiple passes,” the statement read.
Surviving terrorists who attempted to regroup near Bichi Hill faced a prolonged 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 strikes against them,” the statement added.
Local reports suggest the operation inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists, including the elimination of notorious kingpins Manore and Dogo Nahalle.
In addition to neutralizing the terrorists, troops destroyed several camps on the high ground, effectively crippling the group’s operational capabilities.
Before the military action, communities in Maidabino, Yantumaki, and Mara, as well as other parts of Danmusa and Safana LGAs, were under constant threat, leading to widespread displacement.
The statement further reassured the public of the military’s commitment to restoring peace and urged residents not to harbor or support criminal elements.
“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.
