Troops Eliminate 44 Terrorists, Destroy Camps in Zamfara

Nigerian troops have eliminated 44 terrorists and destroyed multiple bandit enclaves in Zamfara State as part of ongoing clearance operations in the Northwest region. The offensive, aimed at reclaiming terrorist strongholds, also saw the capture of Tungan Fulani hills, a notorious hideout for insurgents.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama shared details of the operation on his verified X handle, posting images and videos from the battlefield. According to Makama, the coordinated assault involved the Nigerian Army’s Special Forces, the Navy’s elite Special Boats Services (SBS), and combat pilots from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) under Operation FANSAN YANMA (OpFY).

The operation, which began on February 7, was a three-pronged attack targeting terrorist hubs in the Mashema general area, a known refuge for armed insurgents. Troops of 1 Brigade Special Forces led the offensive, with air support from OPFY’s Air Component. The soldiers advanced through fortified terrorist positions in Kashabawa, Bwarare, and Zaki before reaching Sakarawa Hill, where they encountered stiff resistance.

Intelligence intercepts revealed that the insurgents had planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the advance route. In response, the troops executed a flanking maneuver to bypass the traps while engaging the terrorists in fierce combat. A combination of ground and air assaults struck enemy positions, inflicting heavy casualties. However, further ground exploitation was hindered by extensive landmines at the base of the hill, prompting a second round of aerial bombardment to neutralize remaining insurgents.

In another offensive, troops advancing towards Badarawa encountered resistance but successfully cleared terrorist pockets along their route. Among the 44 terrorists killed were key commanders linked to notorious bandit leaders Bello Turji and Sani Black. The slain insurgents included Sanni Bammuwa, Kachallah Auta (formerly deputy to Sani Black), Audu Gajere, Kabiru Jangeru, and Dan-Kane, the son of Audu Jabbi.

Despite the intensity of the battle and the threat posed by IEDs, no casualties were recorded among the Nigerian troops.