Troops destroy bandits’ camps in Zamfara, kill 44

Troops have successfully neutralized many suspected terrorists hiding in Zamfara State and destroyed their hideouts as part of the ongoing clearance operations in the Northwest region. They also seized control of the Tungan Fulani Hills, a notorious terrorist stronghold in the area, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who shared the update on his verified X account.
As the operation progressed, Makama noted that the troops successfully liberated the bandits’ hideouts and raised Nigerian flags to signal their dominance. He also shared images and videos of the operation, revealing that at least 44 terrorists were killed and over 25 others injured in a coordinated assault on multiple fronts. The operation, which began on February 7, included a three-pronged attack on terrorist strongholds in the Mashema area, a well-known 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,” Makama said in his post.
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 neutralising several of them.
The post further reads: “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 troops.”