Troops arrest three terrorist collaborators, destroy enclaves

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators, recovered weapons and destroyed terrorist hideouts in separate operations across Kaduna and Katsina states.

The operations, conducted on August 27 and 28, were based on intelligence aimed at disrupting terrorist networks and restricting their movement within the Joint Operations Area.

In Kaduna, troops of Sector 1 arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator on August 27 following actionable intelligence.

The Joint Task Force Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said the suspect was found carrying two locally fabricated firearms and 13 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a bag.

Initial investigations indicated that the suspect had allegedly been assigned to deliver the weapons and ammunition to another person.

Information obtained during his interrogation subsequently led troops to two other suspects allegedly connected to the movement of the arms.

The three suspects and the recovered items have been handed over for further investigation.

Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2, working with other security agencies, carried out a clearance operation in Maharba and Karaduwa communities in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State on August 28.

The operation resulted in the destruction of identified terrorist enclaves and structures allegedly used to support criminal activities.

Troops also targeted a hideout reportedly linked to Kachalla Muhammadu Filani, a suspected terrorist leader accused of terrorising communities in Matazu and Musawa LGAs.

According to Danja, the terrorist leader escaped shortly before troops reached the enclave.

During a search of the area, the troops recovered an RPG-7 tube, a motorcycle, mobile phones and other items.

Fighting patrols were subsequently conducted across the surrounding areas to consolidate the operation and prevent terrorists from returning to the destroyed enclaves.

The Joint Task Force said the operations were part of its continued intelligence-led campaign to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt the movement of arms and logistics and deny criminal elements safe havens.

It reaffirmed its commitment to coordinated operations aimed at weakening terrorist capabilities and restoring peace and security in affected communities.