Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji’s subsidiary, Fansan Yamma, have dealt a significant blow to banditry in Zamfara State by killing a notorious terrorist leader, Sani Rusu, and several of his fighters during an intense gunfight in Bamamu village, Tsafe Local Government Area. The operation, which occurred on Saturday, January 4, also destroyed several terrorist hideouts.
Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Fansan Yamma, confirmed the success in a statement on Tuesday.
He explained that troops neutralized Sani Rusu and his foot soldiers during a well-coordinated operation.
“The operation was based on credible intelligence, and it successfully neutralized Sani Rusu and his fighters,” Abdullahi stated.
He added that troops recovered a cache of weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, three magazines, and three motorcycles.
On the same day, the troops carried out an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi Local Government Area, killing more terrorists and inflicting fatal injuries on others. The operation was also based on actionable intelligence about ongoing terrorist activities in the region.
In addition to ground operations, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted airstrikes on December 30, 2024, targeting terrorists converging between Fakai and Kware in Shinkafi. According to Abdullahi, intelligence revealed that the gathering was convened by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.
“This airstrike was launched in response to intelligence indicating that terrorists led by Bello Turji had convened a meeting in the area,” the statement read.
A follow-up operation on January 2, 2025, saw further airstrikes in the Maikaman Rini area of Sububu Forest. This strike supported ground troops targeting the camp of another terrorist kingpin, Ibrahim Chumo.
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On January 5, the troops launched another offensive against Bello Turji’s camp in the Chida area of Shinkafi. These consecutive operations have dealt a significant blow to the operational capacity of terrorist groups in the region.
The recent successes of Operation Fansan Yamma have been met with optimism from communities in Zamfara State, which has long suffered from banditry and insecurity. Residents expressed hope that the military’s continued efforts would restore peace to the region.
“The military’s actions are commendable. We hope these operations will bring lasting peace to our communities,” said Usman Mohammed, a resident of Tsafe LGA.
Lt. Col. Abdullahi assured the public of the military’s commitment to ending banditry and terrorism in Zamfara and other affected areas.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces remain resolute in their mission to eradicate terrorism and restore peace to troubled regions. These operations will continue with greater intensity,” he said.