By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified their offensive against terrorists and bandits in Zamfara State, recording a series of successes that led to the neutralisation of a terrorist, the arrest of nine suspects, and the recovery of motorcycles, communication gadgets and military-style equipment.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2 on a fighting patrol to Birnin Tsaba and Tsanu villages in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area engaged terrorists on June 5, 2026, at Birnin Tsaba village.
The statement said troops made contact with the terrorists during the operation, resulting in a firefight that led to the elimination of one terrorist. Seven motorcycles believed to belong to the criminal elements were also recovered.
In a separate incident on June 6, troops responded swiftly to a terrorist attack at Anguwar Sarkin Musulmi village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. The terrorists reportedly fled into the bush after engaging the advancing troops.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the attackers had dispossessed residents of their personal belongings before security forces arrived at the scene. Military authorities noted that the incident reflected the increasing desperation of terrorist groups whose sources of logistics and sustenance have been significantly disrupted by sustained military pressure.
The same day, troops were deployed following reports of an attack on commuters along the Kaura Namoda–Zurmi Road. Investigations indicated that terrorists ambushed two civilian vehicles between Jabanda and Dauran villages in Zurmi Local Government Area.
Troops subsequently secured the area and evacuated injured victims for medical attention. Efforts are ongoing to track down the attackers and rescue any passengers who may have been abducted during the incident.
Further successes were recorded in Maru Local Government Area, where troops conducting a fighting patrol to Tudun Wada and Dan Gulbi communities arrested eight suspected bandits at Tudun Wada.
Items recovered from the suspects included seven motorcycles, communication equipment, mobile phones, power banks and military-style uniforms. Troops also destroyed a structure allegedly used by the suspects as an operational base.
Meanwhile, intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of a suspected recipient of recently intercepted ammunition at Tupa village in Shinkafi Local Government Area on June 5.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is assisting investigators with efforts to uncover the wider network involved in the illicit movement of ammunition.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and bandits across the North-West region, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security efforts.
