Troops kill 44 terrorists in Zamfara

Abdullateef Fowewe

The troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Fansan Yanma in the Tsaftadaji III – Phase 2, have reportedly neutralised 44 terrorists and injured over 25 others in a coordinated assault across multiple fronts in Zamfara State.

This was gathered in a report on Sunday, by the Security Analyst, Counter Insurgency Expert, Zagazola Makama.

The operation according to Makama, which commenced on February 7, 2025, involved a three-pronged attack targeting terrorist strongholds in the Mashema general area, a notorious hub for armed bandits and insurgents.

The offensive was led by troops of 1 Brigade 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 along the advance route. In response, troops executed a flanking manoeuvre to avoid the traps while engaging the enemy.

A decisive ground and air assault was launched, from the Air Component of OPFY striking terrorist positions. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the insurgents.

Despite successfully eliminating several terrorists, troops were unable to fully exploit the high ground due to heavy mining at the foot of the hill. The Aggressor aircraft returned for a second aerial bombardment, targeting insurgents and killing several of them.

In another operation, troops advancing towards Badarawa encountered resistance but successfully cleared several terrorist pockets along their route.

Among the 44 terrorists eliminated in the battle were key commanders linked to notorious bandit leaders Bello Turji and Sani Black.

The slain terrorist leaders include former deputy to Sani Black, Sanni Bammuwa, Kachallah Auta, Audu Gajere, Kabiru Jangeru and Dan-Kane (son of Audu Jabbi).

However, it was gathered that despite the intense fighting and IED threats, no casualties were recorded among the Nigerian troops.