Troops destroy terrorist camps around Birchi hill in Katsina State
The military announced on Thursday that troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fasan Yamma have destroyed several terrorist camps around Birchi Hill in the Danmusa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State.
A statement by Lt. Col. Abdullahi Abbakar, spokesman of Operation Fasan Yamma, confirmed the development.
“This operation came in response to credible intelligence that revealed active terrorist activities in the area, which had culminated in assaults on local communities in Danmusa, Safana, and Kankara LGAs on 19 December 2024.”
In a combined ground and air offensive, troops targeted these camps in an effort to dismantle the terrorists’ operations and restore peace to the affected areas.
“The operation involved precision airstrikes conducted by the Air Component on identified terrorist locations during multiple passes.”
Despite the airstrikes, some surviving terrorists attempted to regroup in the vicinity of Birchi Hill, leading to a fierce firefight with ground troops.
“This engagement lasted for several hours, but the terrorists were ultimately overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower.”
To prevent the terrorists’ escape, the Air Component tracked fleeing terrorists on motorcycles and conducted additional successful strikes against them.
Reports from local sources indicate that the operations resulted in a significant number of terrorist casualties, including the reportedly fatal injuries of notorious kingpins Manore and Dogo Nahalle.
In addition to neutralizing terrorists, the operation dismantled several camps located within the high ground, crippling the terrorists’ operational capabilities.
Prior to these military operations, communities surrounding Maidabino, Yantumaki, Mara, and other parts of Danmusa and Safana LGAs had been under persistent threat from terrorists, leading to mass displacements among local residents.
In light of these recent successes, the Joint Task Force Operation Fasan Yamma reassures the public of its commitment to safeguarding lives and urges citizens to refrain from harboring or supporting criminal elements in any form.
“The Theatre Commander, Operation Fasan Yamma, Major General Oluyinka Olalekan Soyele, on behalf of the troops, expresses his resolve to combat terrorism and all forms of crime in the Northwest Zone and Niger State towards ensuring peace and security in the affected communities.”
