Troops of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team, have killed a terrorist identified as Smally, said to be a lieutenant to a terrorist commander known as Kachalla Muhammed Filani, during a clearance operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (NorthWest) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, disclosed this in a statement on 30 August 2026.
According to the statement, the troops conducted the operation at about 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 29 across the general areas of Farin Tafki, Maharba Adua and Soro Daya.
At Farin Tafki, the troops encountered heavy resistance from armed terrorists, resulting in a fierce exchange of fire.
“Troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained offensive operation against terrorists in Katsina State, neutralising a key terrorist lieutenant and recovering machine guns, arms, ammunition and other items during ongoing clearance operations on 29 August 2026,” the statement read.
“Troops of Sector 2, while conducting clearance operations in identified terrorist enclaves within Matazu Local Government Area, encountered stiff resistance from armed terrorists.
“Troops however, responded decisively and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee the area.
“During exploitation of the area, troops confirmed the neutralisation of a terrorist identified as SMALLY, a lieutenant of notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Muhammadu Filani. Troops also recovered 3 machine guns, 2 AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines, 180 rounds of ammunition and 6 motorcycles used by the terrorists for their nefarious activities.
“The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustain pressure on terrorist networks and dismantle their operational capabilities across the Joint Operations Area.
“Troops remain resolute in taking the fight to the terrorists, denying them freedom of action and creating conditions for the restoration of lasting peace and security across affected communities.”
