Terrorist Commander Who Wielded Machine Guns Killed as Troops Storm Katsina Enclave
Residents of Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State may have one less armed threat to worry about after Nigerian Army troops neutralised a notorious terrorist commander known as “Smally” during a fierce clearance operation.
The operation, conducted by troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, also resulted in the recovery of machine guns, AK-47 rifles, ammunition and motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists.
Smally, who was said to have operated from terrorist enclaves in the area, was reportedly killed after troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle while conducting clearance operations across identified hideouts in Matazu.
According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the troops responded with superior firepower after coming under resistance from the terrorists, forcing the surviving fighters to flee.
Danja said subsequent exploitation of the area confirmed the neutralisation of Smally, identified as a key commander operating under the notorious terrorist leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.
The troops recovered three machine guns, two AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines, 180 rounds of ammunition and six motorcycles from the terrorists.
For communities that have lived under the shadow of armed attacks and criminal activities, the operation represents another push by security forces to dismantle the networks that enable terrorists to operate and move freely across affected areas.
The Army said the operation forms part of sustained efforts to keep pressure on terrorist groups, cripple their operational capacity and create safer conditions for residents to return to normal economic and social activities.
The military further reassured affected communities of its continued commitment to restoring lasting peace and security across the North-West.
