Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed two key terrorist commanders in an intelligence-led operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation was conducted on Monday, August 31, 2026, around Kogo Village, following credible intelligence that notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani and members of his network were hiding in the area.
The military disclosed this in a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 engaged the terrorists with heavy fire after encountering them during the operation, resulting in the deaths of two key commanders.
The two terrorists were identified as Hamisu, also known as MAMIYO, described as a notorious gunrunner and second-in-command to Kachalla Muhammadu Filani, and Umar Bocho, another key leader within the network.
However, Kachalla Muhammadu Filani reportedly escaped from the encounter with gunshot wounds as troops continued to search the area.
The military described the operation as a significant blow to Filani’s network, particularly with the elimination of two commanders involved in sustaining its criminal activities.
“The development is expected to further degrade the network’s operational capability and disrupt its activities within the area,” Danja said.
The military urged residents and medical personnel in Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities to remain vigilant and promptly report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds to the nearest security agency.
It said troops were continuing operations to track the fleeing terrorist leader and clear the area of remaining threats.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the statement added, remained committed to sustaining intelligence-led offensive operations across the Joint Operations Area to dismantle terrorist networks, deny criminal elements freedom of action and restore peace and security to affected communities in the North West.
