Nigerian troops have successfully eliminated two senior commanders of a notorious terrorist group in Katsina State during a recent intelligence-led operation. The assault took place on August 31 in the Matazu Local Government Area, targeting a hideout linked to the group led by the infamous kingpin Kachalla Muhammadu Filani.

The operation, conducted by soldiers from Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, resulted in the deaths of two key figures: Hamisu, commonly referred to as Mamiyo, and Umar Bocho. Mamiyo was known to be the second-in-command to Filani and was heavily involved in arms trafficking, while Bocho played a significant role within the terrorist network.

Although the military's operation was successful in neutralizing these commanders, Kachalla Muhammadu Filani managed to escape the scene, reportedly sustaining gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Following his escape, the military has launched a manhunt across the area to locate Filani and other members of his group.

The Nigerian military has emphasized that the elimination of Mamiyo and Bocho represents a substantial setback for the terrorist organization, which has been responsible for numerous violent acts, including abductions and livestock rustling, across various local government areas such as Musawa, Dutsinma, Kankia, and Kusada. Local residents have expressed relief over the military's actions, noting that the group's activities had severely impacted their farming and daily lives.

A community leader welcomed the military's decisive action and urged that pressure be maintained on the remaining members of the group to prevent them from regrouping and launching further attacks.

In a bid to track down the injured Filani, the military has appealed to residents and medical personnel in Matazu and surrounding areas to report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the terrorist network and restore security to the region.

The operation in Katsina is part of a broader military campaign that has seen significant successes in recent weeks, including the rescue of 21 victims, among them 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, from a forest in Kogi State. The military has also reported neutralizing over 332 terrorists and rescuing 610 kidnap victims across Nigeria in August alone, highlighting their commitment to combating terrorism and enhancing public safety.