Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), Sector 1, have recorded major successes in ongoing operations across Kaduna State, recovering rustled livestock, arresting suspected bandits and restoring peace in communities affected by criminal activities.
Key Highlights;
The military operation, aimed at tackling terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity across the North West region, involved a series of coordinated intelligence-led missions that disrupted criminal networks and improved security in affected areas.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops on June 20, 2026, responded to credible intelligence about cattle rustling activities in a community in Kaduna State.
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The troops reportedly engaged the fleeing criminals in a gun battle, resulting in the neutralisation of two suspected bandits. They also recovered weapons, ammunition, other military items and rustled livestock during the operation.
The statement noted that the intervention prevented the criminals from escaping with the stolen animals, although a civilian was unfortunately killed during the encounter as a result of the bandits’ actions.
In another operation carried out the same day, troops on night patrol intercepted two individuals suspected to be involved in banditry activities. A search conducted on the suspects allegedly uncovered digital materials linking them to terrorist and criminal operations.
The suspects were taken into custody and are currently undergoing investigation to determine their level of involvement in ongoing criminal activities.
The military also disclosed that troops conducting a fighting patrol on June 21 encountered armed criminals who retreated into nearby bushes after coming under pressure from the advancing troops.
During the pursuit, two suspected bandit scouts were apprehended, while motorcycles and communication devices containing suspected incriminating information were recovered.
Preliminary investigations, according to the military, suggest that the suspects may have links to criminal operations in the area, with further investigations ongoing.
Meanwhile, troops also intervened in a separate incident involving a civil disturbance at Mararraba community in Kaduna State.
The unrest reportedly followed the mob killing of a woman accused of child trafficking. Following the incident, an angry crowd allegedly attempted to attack public infrastructure and block a major highway.
Security forces arrived at the scene and swiftly restored calm, dispersing the crowd, securing critical facilities and ensuring the free movement of commuters.
The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their vigilance, discipline and effectiveness during the operations.
He assured residents that the military would continue with intelligence-driven and offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks while improving security across the region.
The Joint Task Force urged communities to continue providing useful information to security agencies, stressing that cooperation between residents and security personnel remains vital in the fight against insecurity.
