Scores of suspected terrorists hiding in Zamfara State have been neutralized, and their hideouts destroyed as military troops intensified clearance operations in the Northwest region.
During a weekend operation, the troops successfully captured Tungan Fulani hills, a notorious terrorist stronghold in Zamfara, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who shared the update on his verified X account.
The Nation last week reported that special forces of the Nigerian Army, elements of the Navy’s (NN) elite Special Boats Services (SBS) with support from combat pilots from the Air Force (NAF) deployed for Operation FANSAN YANMA (OpFY) dealt major blows at the terrorists, especially the camp of Turji Bello.
As the operation continued, Makama in his posts said the troops completely liberated bandits enclaves and hoisted Nigerian flags to showcase 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 decimating the terrorists, Makama said the troops were unable to fully exploit the ground due to heavy mining at the foot of the hill.
“The aggressor aircraft returned for a second aerial bombardment, targeting insurgents and neutralizing 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: Sanni Bammuwa, Kachallah Auta (formerly the deputy to Sani Black) Audu Gajere, Kabiru Jangeru and Dan-Kane (son of Audu Jabbi) “Despite the intense fighting and IED threats, no casualties were recorded among the Nigerian troops.”
