The Nigerian Army has said that its troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, killed two senior commanders of a terrorist network during an intelligence-led operation in the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation was conducted on Monday, August 31, 2026, around Kogo Village, where notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani and members of his network were believed to be hiding.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), the troops of Sector 2 encountered the terrorists during the operation and engaged them with a high volume of fire.
Danja said two key commanders of the terrorist network, identified as Hamisu, also known as MAMIYO, described as a notorious gunrunner and second-in-command to Filani, and Umar Bocho, another key leader within the terrorist network, were killed during the encounter.
“Further information indicates that Muhammadu Filani escaped from the encounter with gunshot wounds as troops continued to exploit the area,” Danja stated.
The military described the operation as a significant blow to Filani’s network, particularly because of the elimination of the two commanders allegedly responsible for sustaining its criminal activities.
The development, according to the military, is expected to further degrade the group’s operational capacity and disrupt its activities in the area.
The military also urged residents and medical personnel in Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities to remain vigilant and report anyone suspected of seeking medical treatment for 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 ongoing to track down the fleeing terrorist leader and clear the area of remaining threats.
“Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA remain resolute in sustaining intelligence-led offensive operations across the Joint Operations Area to dismantle terrorist networks, deny criminal elements freedom of action and restore lasting peace and security to affected communities in the North West,” Danja added.
