Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have reportedly killed two senior commanders of a terrorist network during an intelligence-led operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have killed two senior commanders associated with the terrorist network led by Kachalla Muhammadu Filani in Katsina State.
The military said the intelligence-led operation was conducted on Monday, August 31, 2026, around Kogo Village in Matazu Local Government Area, where Filani and members of his network were believed to be hiding.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2 encountered the terrorists during the operation and engaged them with heavy firepower.
Two Commanders Killed
Danja identified the two commanders killed during the encounter as Hamisu, also known as Mamiyo, and Umar Bocho.
Mamiyo was described by the military as a notorious gunrunner and second-in-command to Filani, while Bocho was said to be another influential figure within the network.
The military said Filani escaped from the scene with gunshot wounds as troops continued to search the area and pursue fleeing members of the group.
“Further information indicates that Muhammadu Filani escaped from the encounter with gunshot wounds as troops continued to exploit the area,” Danja stated.
The Joint Task Force described the killing of the two commanders as a major blow to Filani’s network, particularly because of their alleged roles in sustaining the group’s criminal operations.
According to the military, the development is expected to weaken the network’s operational capacity and disrupt its activities in Matazu and surrounding communities.
Residents, Medical Workers Alerted
The military urged residents and medical personnel in Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and report anyone seeking treatment for suspected gunshot wounds.
“Members of the public, particularly medical personnel and residents in and around Matazu Local Government Area, are urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious individual seeking treatment for gunshot wounds to the nearest security agency,” Danja said.
He added that military operations were continuing to track Filani and clear the area of other security threats.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations across the North-West to dismantle terrorist networks, restrict the movement of armed groups and restore security to affected communities.
The latest operation followed another military offensive conducted in Matazu on August 29, during which troops reportedly killed a lieutenant of Filani known as Smally and recovered machine guns, AK-47 rifles, ammunition and motorcycles.
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Nigerian Army Says Troops Killed Two Terrorist Commanders in Katsina
