Troops kill another Zamfara bandit leader, recover cache of arms

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma on Saturday killed another notorious bandit leader, Sani Rusu, and several others in separate operations in Zamfara State.

The Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Gusau.

He said the terrorists were killed when the troops conducted a fighting patrol to Bamamu Village in Tsafe local government area of the state and engaged the terrorists in a gun duel.

According to Abdullahi, troops of 1 Brigade, Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West conducted a fighting patrol to Bamamu Village on January 4 where they encountered and killed Rusu and his fighters in the operation.

He added that troops on the same day carried out an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi LGA following credible intelligence about terrorist activities in the area and killed several other terrorists.

The statement read: “During the operation, several terrorists were neutralized, while others sustained fatal injuries. Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 4 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 3 magazines, and 3 motorcycles,” the statement said.

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“The Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma intensified strikes on terrorist enclaves, including those led by notorious kingpins Bello Turji and Ibrahim Chumo.

“On December 30, 2024, the Air Component conducted precision airstrikes on a terrorist meeting between Fakai and Kware areas in Shinkafi LGA. Intelligence revealed that Turji and his fighters had convened in the area.

“In a follow-up operation on January 2, 2025, airstrikes targeted Maikaman Rini in Sububu Forest, in support of ground troops advancing on Chumo’s camp.

“On January 5, the troops launched an offensive on Turji’s camp in Chida, Shinkafi LGA, resulting in significant casualties and destruction of hideouts.

“The Joint Task Force appreciates the continued support of the local communities and encourages further cooperation to achieve its mandate.”

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