Katsina Military Operation: Two Top Terrorist Commanders Killed, Kingpin Wounded
The Nigerian military’s ongoing crackdown on armed banditry in the North-West recorded another breakthrough after security forces killed two high-profile terrorist commanders in Katsina State.
The successful joint security operation, which took place around Kogo Village in the Matazu Local Government Area, targeted the camp of a notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Muhammadu Filani. While Filani managed to escape the fierce assault with severe gunshot wounds, two of his top lieutenants were successfully neutralized.
Troops Engage Bandits in Heavy Firefight
The offensive was executed by the ground troops of Sector 2 under the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma.
Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer for the task force, confirmed the development in an official statement. According to Danja, the troops launched an intelligence-led raid on the criminal hideout, prompting a heavy gun battle.
The military successfully overpowered the criminal network, resulting in the deaths of two senior commanders identified as Hamisu (also known as Mamiyo), a notorious gunrunner who served as the second-in-command to Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.
Also killed was Umar Bocho, a key leader within the terrorist network.
Escalating the Campaign Against Banditry
During a sweep of the encounter scene, troops also recovered and destroyed two operational motorcycles used by the fleeing bandits.
This latest targeted raid is part of a broader, intensified campaign by the Nigerian Armed Forces aimed at dismantling high-profile criminal networks, restoring stability, and denying terrorists freedom of action across the North-West region.
