In a sweeping offensive under Operation FANSAN YANMA as part of TSAFTADAJI III – Phase 2, Nigerian Army troops have neutralized 44 terrorists and inflicted heavy casualties in a decisive assault across multiple fronts in Zamfara State.
The operation, launched on February 7, 2025, targeted insurgent strongholds in the Mashema general area, a notorious hub for armed bandits. Spearheaded by the 1 Brigade Special Forces with aerial support from the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPFY), the troops executed a three-pronged assault, clearing fortified enemy positions in Kashabawa, Bwarare, Zaki, and Sakarawa Hill.
At Sakarawa Hill, troops encountered fierce resistance from terrorists who had fortified their position with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Utilizing intelligence intercepts, troops maneuvered strategically to avoid traps while engaging the enemy in a fierce gun battle. A decisive airstrike followed, neutralizing several insurgents and forcing the remnants into disarray.
Elsewhere, advancing forces towards Badarawa encountered resistance but successfully overran multiple terrorist hideouts, further crippling the insurgents’ operational capacity.
Among the 44 terrorists eliminated were key commanders linked to notorious bandit leaders Bello Turji and Sani Black, including:
- Sanni Bammuwa
- Kachallah Auta (former deputy to Sani Black)
- Audu Gajere
- Kabiru Jangeru
- Dan-Kane (son of Audu Jabbi)
Despite the heavy combat and IED threats, the Nigerian troops sustained no casualties, marking a significant victory in the ongoing war against terrorism in the North West.
Military sources confirm that Phase 3 of Operation TSAFTADAJI III is set to commence soon, aimed at further dismantling terrorist networks across the region.
Source:ZagazolaMakama
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