Scores of suspected terrorists hiding in Zamfara State have been neutralized, and their hideouts destroyed as military forces ramped up clearance operations in the Northwest region.
In a weekend operation, the troops successfully captured Tungan Fulani Hills, a notorious terrorist stronghold in Zamfara, as reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama on his verified X account.
The Nation reported last week that Nigerian Army special forces, along with the Navy’s elite Special Boats Services (SBS) and combat pilots from the Air Force (NAF), made significant progress during Operation FANSAN YANMA (OpFY), delivering heavy blows to the terrorists, particularly targeting the camp of Turji Bello.
As the operation advanced, Makama shared that the troops fully liberated bandit strongholds, raising Nigerian flags to signify their dominance.
Makama who shared pictures and videos from the operation, said that at least 44 terrorists were killed and over 25 injured in a coordinated assault across multiple fronts.
“The operation, which commenced on February 7, involved a three pronged attack targeting terrorist strongholds in Mashema general area, a notorious hub for armed bandits and insurgents.
“The offensive was led by troops of 1Brigade Special Forces with close support from the Air Component of OPFY.
“The offensive began at 0800 hours, with Team 1 advancing through several terrorist enclaves, clearing out fortified positions at Kashabawa, Bwarare, and Zaki before reaching Sakarawa Hill.
“Upon arrival, troops encountered stiff resistance from terrorists who had established defensive positions on the hill. Intelligence intercepts revealed that the insurgents had planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the advance route. In response, troops executed a flanking maneuver to avoid the traps while engaging the enemy,” said Makama.
Continuing, he said that the troops executed a decisive ground and air assault which struck terrorists positions and inflicted heavy casualties on them.
Despite dealing a heavy blow to the terrorists, Makama noted that the troops were unable to fully secure the area due to extensive mining at the base of the hill.
“The aggressor aircraft returned for a second aerial bombardment, targeting insurgents and neutralizing several of them,” he said.
In a separate operation, troops advancing towards Badarawa faced resistance but successfully cleared multiple terrorist strongholds along their route.
Among the 44 terrorists eliminated during the battle were key commanders linked to notorious bandit leaders Bello Turji and Sani Black. The slain leaders include Sanni Bammuwa, Kachallah Auta (former deputy to Sani Black), Audu Gajere, Kabiru Jangeru, and Dan-Kane (son of Audu Jabbi).
“Despite the intense fighting and the threat of IEDs, no casualties were recorded among the Nigerian troops,” Makama confirmed.