The Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA has recorded significant operational successes against terrorists and armed bandits following intelligence-led air operations conducted by its Air Component in Niger and Kaduna States on 29 June 2026. The operations dealt a major blow to criminal elements by neutralising several terrorists and disrupting attempted bandit movements within the Joint Operations Area.
Acting on credible intelligence, corroborated by human intelligence sources, indicating the convergence of over 200 suspected terrorists on motorcycles in the Dogon Dawa axis of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, the Air Component executed a precision airstrike against the terrorists. Aerial surveillance confirmed the presence of armed terrorists moving in groups within the area before a large concentration of motorcycles was identified at a suspected refuelling point. Following positive target identification, the location was successfully engaged. Battle Damage Assessment confirmed that several terrorists were neutralised, while others were observed fleeing with injuries towards the Kurugin Maidawa axis. The successful strike significantly disrupted the terrorists’ activities, degraded their operational capability and denied them the freedom to regroup for further attacks.
In a separate Armed Reconnaissance mission in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, conducted following intelligence that armed bandits were mobilising to launch reprisal attacks against troops after recent clearance operations in the Womba general area, the Air Component intercepted three motorcycles conveying suspected bandits moving towards the Kamuku Forest. The suspects attempted to evade detection upon sighting the aircraft but were successfully engaged, disrupting their movement. Follow-up reconnaissance conducted in close coordination with ground troops revealed no further suspicious activity across the area.
These successful operations underscore the effectiveness of the Joint Task Force’s integrated air and ground operations in sustaining pressure on terrorist and bandit networks across the North West. The Theatre Commander commends the professionalism and synergy displayed by the Air and Land Components and reassures the public that Operation FANSAN YAMMA will continue to sustain offensive operations until all terrorist and bandit enclaves are dismantled and lasting peace and security are restored across the theatre.