Kehinde Fajobi
Troops of 1 Brigade, Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, launched a series of offensives against notorious terrorist camps in Zamfara State, neutralising key operatives, including Sani Rusu.
Brigade spokesman Lt. Col Abdullahi Abubakar said in a statement on Monday that the operations were carried out between December 30, 2024, and January 5, 2025, targeting the camps of wanted terrorist leader Bello Turji and his associates.
Abubakar disclosed that on January 4, 2025, troops neutralised Rusu at Bamamu Village, Tsafe LGA. During an ambush the same day in Shinkafi LGA, the soldiers killed several terrorists and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, ammunition, magazines, and motorcycles.
“On January 2, 2025, airstrikes were launched at Maikaman Rini area of Sububu Forest, targeting Ibrahim Chumo’s camp,” he said.
A subsequent strike on Turji’s camp in Chida, Shinkafi LGA, dealt a significant blow, destroying hideouts and inflicting heavy casualties.
Abubakar added, “Operation Fansan Yamma remains committed to neutralising terrorist threats and maintaining peace in the region. We urge continued cooperation from communities to achieve this mandate.”
Meanwhile, in an interview, Lt. Col Abdullahi said Turji’s forces had been decimated, forcing him into hiding.
“Turji now lives in holes like a rat. Our fighter planes have destroyed his enclaves in Shinkafi. Many of his fighters are dead, and we will soon get the remaining hoodlums,” he stated.
Turji recently threatened violence in Shinkafi LGA unless his detained relatives were released. Following this, he reportedly launched attacks, including kidnappings, prompting intensified military action.
In addition to Turji’s network, Sani Rusu, another bandit kingpin, was neutralised, marking significant progress in the fight against terrorism in Zamfara.