Troops Neutralise Scores Of Terrorists, Recover Arms In Zamfara

As air component intensifies strikes on terrorist enclaves, troops of 1 Brigade, Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, has neutralised scores of terrorists, including a notorious terrorist kingpin Sani Rusu, and recovered arms in Zamfara.

Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, the coordinator of Joint Media Coordination Center Operation Fansan Yamma, made this clear in a statement yesterday, which was made available to newsmen in Gusau.

The statement said that on Saturday, 4th January 2025, the troops conducted a fighting patrol to Bamamu village in Tsafe local government, where they encountered the terrorist area and consequently, succeeded in neutralised the notorious terrorist kingpin in the process, destroying the enclaves and recovered arms.

On the same day, the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, during an ambush operation which was based on credible intelligence regarding terrorist activities at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State, neutralised some terrorists while others sustained fatal injury.

The operation also led to the recovery of one AK47 rifle and one G3 rifle, alongside eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, three magazines and three motorcycles.

The statement said in a separate operation, the Air Component Operation Fansan Yamma conducted air strikes on terrorists converging between Fakai and Kware area of Shinkafi LGA on 30 December 2024.

“This airstrike was launched in response to intelligence indicating that terrorists, led by Bello Turji, had convened a meeting in the area. In a follow-up operation on 2 January 2025, the air component further conducted air strikes at the Maikaman Rini area of Sububu Forest in support of Operation Fansan Yamma ground troops’ operations against terrorist kingpin Ibrahim Chumo’s camp in the area.

“The troops also conducted offensive operations against Bello Turji’s camp in the Chida area of Shinkafi on 5 January 2025. Aerial surveillance revealed the terrorists suffered significant casualties during these operations, with several terrorists injured and their hideouts destroyed.

“Operation Fansan Yamma remains committed to neutralising all terrorist threats across the Joint Task Force Theatre of Operation and assures the public of its determination to maintain peace and security in the region.

“The Joint Task Force, therefore, encourages continued cooperation from the community towards achieving its mandate,” the statement concluded.