Troops bust terrorist stronghold in Zamfara, rescue kidnapped girl

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigerian troops have delivered a crushing blow to terrorists in Zamfara State’s notorious Sububu Forests, neutralising six bandits, seizing weapons, and rescuing a kidnapped underage girl during a fierce offensive under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

In a statement released Sunday, Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer for the operation, detailed the triumphs of the 8 Division Garrison Strike Force in Maradun Local Government Area.

“TROOPS DELIVER DECISIVE BLOW TO TERRORISTS IN ZAMFARA, RESCUE KIDNAPPED UNDERAGE VICTIM IN FIERCE OFFENSIVE,” he titled the statement, highlighting the mission’s dual focus on dismantling terror networks and protecting civilians.

The operation kicked off with a clash at Indulumu village, where troops “confronted and neutralized 2 terrorists,” recovering one AK-47 rifle.

Pressing deeper, the force hit Ruduno village, taking out four more terrorists in intense fighting.

There, they seized another AK-47, a magazine with 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and destroyed two motorcycles used for the bandits’ mobility.

A standout moment came with the rescue of Halira Ibrahim, the kidnapped underage victim.

As troops pushed into the forest, they freed her, ending her captivity.

Adewusi emphasised this “profound humanitarian success,” noting it as a “beacon of hope to the affected community.”

The raid didn’t stop there—troops razed terrorist camps and support structures in Magaji, Galakaje, Filinga, and Kukatara, “significantly disrupting the terrorists’ ability to sustain their operations” by denying safe havens and logistics.