Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised two senior commanders of a terrorist network during an intelligence-led operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation, conducted on Monday, August 31, 2026, took place around Kogo Village, where troops of Sector 2 reportedly encountered members of the network linked to notorious terrorist leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.

According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the troops engaged the terrorists with a high volume of fire, resulting in the neutralisation 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 Muhammadu Filani, and Umar Bocho, another senior figure within the network.

The military said preliminary information indicated that Muhammadu Filani survived the encounter but escaped with gunshot wounds as troops continued to exploit the area.

The elimination of the two commanders, according to the military, represents a significant setback for Filani’s network, particularly because of their roles in sustaining its criminal activities and operational capabilities in the area.

The development is expected to further weaken the group and disrupt its activities across Matazu and surrounding communities as troops intensify efforts to dismantle the network.

The military consequently urged residents and medical personnel in Matazu and neighbouring areas to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious person seeking treatment for gunshot wounds to the nearest security agency.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA said its troops would continue intelligence-led offensive operations across the Joint Operations Area to track the fleeing terrorist leader, clear remaining threats and deny criminal elements freedom of action in the North-West.