By: Mohammed Bello Doka
In a decisive blow to terrorist elements in Zamfara State, Nigerian troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA—a key component of TSAFTADAJI III – Phase 2—neutralized 44 terrorists and inflicted heavy casualties on others in a well-coordinated military operation.
The large-scale offensive, which commenced on February 7, 2025, was aimed at dismantling fortified terrorist enclaves across the Mashema general area, a notorious hub for banditry and insurgency. The operation was spearheaded by 1 Brigade Special Forces, with critical air support from the Air Component of OPFY.
At exactly 0800 hours, troops launched a three-pronged assault, pushing deep into enemy territory. The first assault wave systematically cleared out insurgents from Kashabawa, Bwarare, and Zaki, before advancing towards Sakarawa Hill, where terrorists had established heavily fortified positions.
Upon arrival, troops encountered fierce resistance from the insurgents, who had laced the area with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to slow down military advances. However, utilizing tactical flanking maneuvers, the troops circumvented the booby traps and engaged the terrorists in an intense firefight. A decisive ground and aerial bombardment followed, delivering devastating losses to the enemy forces.
Despite the ferocity of the engagement, troops maintained tactical superiority. An Aggressor aircraft carried out a second wave of airstrikes, obliterating terrorist positions and forcing the remnants into disarray. However, due to the heavy mining of the hill’s foothold, troops were unable to immediately secure the high ground.
In a parallel operation near Badarawa, advancing troops encountered resistance but swiftly dismantled terrorist hideouts along their path.
Among the 44 neutralized terrorists were key commanders with direct links to notorious warlords Bello Turji and Sani Black. The eliminated militant leaders include:
Sanni Bammuwa
Kachallah Auta (former deputy to Sani Black)
Audu Gajere
Kabiru Jangeru
Dan-Kane (son of Audu Jabbi)
Despite the intensity of the operation and the threat posed by IEDs, Nigerian troops recorded no casualties, marking a significant victory in the ongoing battle against terrorism in the Northwest.
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