By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Nigerian Army killed a key terrorist lieutenant in Katsina and foiled an attack on Kukawa, Borno State, on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and Operation HADIN KAI carried out the operations to disrupt terrorist networks and protect communities. The coordinated ground and air assaults also destroyed motorcycles and recovered weapons.
Troops Kill Key Terrorist Lieutenant in Katsina
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, conducted a clearance operation in Katsina State.
The operation took place on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Troops targeted identified terrorist enclaves in Matazu Local Government Area.
According to the Joint Task Force, soldiers encountered stiff resistance from armed terrorists.
However, the troops responded with superior firepower and forced the terrorists to flee the area.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Media Information Officer Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja confirmed the development.
During the operation, troops killed a key terrorist lieutenant.
The Army identified the terrorist as “Smally.” It described him as a lieutenant to notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.
Troops also recovered several weapons and other military equipment from the area.
The recovered items included three machine guns and two AK-47 rifles.
They also recovered 11 magazines and 180 rounds of ammunition.
Additionally, troops recovered six motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists.
Operation HADIN KAI Foils Kukawa Attack
Meanwhile, troops of Operation HADIN KAI foiled a terrorist attack on Kukawa town in Borno State.
The attack targeted troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion in Kukawa.
The terrorists launched the attack at about 10:50 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026.
However, soldiers quickly responded with direct and indirect fire.
The response forced the terrorists to withdraw towards the Cross Kauwa axis.
Several terrorists died during the encounter. Others reportedly sustained gunshot wounds while fleeing.
Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, confirmed the operation.
He said troops later recovered the bodies of some terrorists during exploitation operations.
Air Force Launches Precision Strikes
According to Goni, the terrorists attempted to escape towards Cross Kauwa on motorcycles.
As a result, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI launched an aerial interdiction mission.
Despite difficult weather conditions, aircraft engaged terrorists hiding under trees.
The air operation reportedly killed an estimated 10 terrorists.
Meanwhile, intelligence assets of the Multi-National Joint Task Force tracked fleeing fighters.
The assets identified about 20 motorcycles moving towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis.
Based on the intelligence, the Air Component launched another precision strike.
The strike reportedly killed 15 additional terrorists and destroyed 10 motorcycles.
Troops Recover Weapons and Ammunition
Troops later conducted ground exploitation operations in the affected area.
During the operation, soldiers recovered two motorcycles.
They also killed another terrorist and recovered assorted ammunition and other items.
The military said the coordinated operation disrupted the terrorist attack.
It also prevented the fighters from regrouping after their withdrawal.
Furthermore, the operation weakened their mobility and fighting capability.
The troops later received essential combat supplies through air resupply.
The supplies will help sustain operations and maintain pressure on terrorist groups.
Four Military Personnel Injured
Four military personnel sustained injuries during the engagement.
However, the military said none of the injuries was life-threatening.
The wounded personnel received evacuation by air for medical treatment.
They were reportedly in stable condition.
Meanwhile, troops have begun reorganising and conducting further exploitation operations.
The military also continues to assess the damage inflicted on the terrorists.
Army Intensifies Counter-Terrorism Operations
The Joint Task Force said the defence of Kukawa showed the value of coordinated military operations.
The operation combined ground troops, air power and intelligence capabilities.
According to the military, the approach remains vital against evolving terrorist threats.
The Army also reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks.
It said troops will continue denying terrorists freedom of action.
The military will also maintain pressure across the Joint Operations Area.
These efforts aim to create conditions for lasting peace and security in affected communities.
