Troops Kill Senior Terrorist, Recover Weapons in Matazu

On Friday, August 29, 2026, troops from the Joint Task Force North West, operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, conducted a clearance operation in Matazu Local Government Area, resulting in the death of a senior terrorist figure known as Smally. Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, confirmed the operation in a statement released on Sunday, August 30.

The troops faced armed resistance but ultimately gained the upper hand, leading to the killing of Smally, who was identified as a lieutenant of notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani. Following the engagement, the troops conducted an exploitation of the area, recovering three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines, and 180 rounds of ammunition, along with six motorcycles used by the terrorist group.

This operation is part of a sustained offensive aimed at weakening terrorist networks in the region and restoring normalcy to affected communities.