Troops Kill Terrorist Commander ‘Smally’, Recover Weapons, Motorcycles In Katsina

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised a suspected terrorist commander identified as “Smally” during a clearance operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation, conducted on August 29, 2026, also led to the recovery of machine guns, AK-47 rifles, ammunition and motorcycles allegedly belonging to the terrorists.

The Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Danja said troops of Sector 2 encountered stiff resistance from armed terrorists while conducting clearance operations in identified terrorist enclaves in Matazu.

He said the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee the area.

“Troops, however, responded decisively and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee the area,” Danja said.

According to him, troops subsequently exploited the area and confirmed the neutralisation of Smally, who reportedly operated under the notorious terrorist leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.

Danja said the operation also resulted in the recovery of three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines, 180 rounds of ammunition and six motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists.

He described the recovery as significant in the ongoing efforts by security forces to restrict the mobility and firepower of terrorist groups operating across the North-West.

The military spokesperson said the latest operation formed part of a broader offensive aimed at sustaining pressure on terrorist networks and degrading their operational capabilities within the Joint Operations Area.

“The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustain pressure on terrorist networks and dismantle their operational capabilities across the Joint Operations Area,” he stated.

Danja added that the troops remained committed to taking the fight to the terrorists, denying them freedom of action and disrupting their ability to threaten communities.

“Troops remain resolute in taking the fight to the terrorists, denying them freedom of action and creating conditions for the restoration of lasting peace and security across affected communities,” he added.