Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under the 8 Division Garrison Strike Force, within Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 2, have recorded a significant operational success against terrorism and banditry in Zamfara State, marking another decisive step in the ongoing campaign to dismantle armed criminal networks and restore stability to the North-West region.
The latest offensive, carried out deep within the notoriously volatile Sububu Forests of Maradun Local Government Area, resulted in the neutralisation of six suspected terrorists, the destruction of multiple terrorist camps and logistics structures, the recovery of arms and ammunition, and the rescue of a kidnapped underage victim. Military authorities described the outcome as both a tactical and humanitarian breakthrough in the sustained effort to deny criminal groups their strongholds and operational capacity.
According to field reports from Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the operation was initiated following actionable intelligence indicating renewed terrorist activity within several forested communities in Maradun LGA. These areas have long served as hideouts for armed groups responsible for kidnappings, violent attacks on rural settlements, and the disruption of farming and trading activities across Zamfara and neighbouring states.
The first phase of the operation unfolded at Indulumu village, where troops advancing into the area came under resistance from armed elements believed to be part of a larger terrorist enclave. A fierce engagement ensued, during which two terrorists were neutralised. Following the encounter, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle from the scene, a development security analysts say further degraded the firepower available to the criminal group operating in the area.
Maintaining operational momentum, the Strike Force advanced towards Ruduno village, identified as another critical node within the terrorists’ network. There, troops again engaged armed elements who attempted to resist the advancing forces. The confrontation ended with the neutralisation of four additional terrorists. In the aftermath of the firefight, soldiers recovered another AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and other items linked to the group’s activities. Two motorcycles, believed to have been used for mobility, surveillance, and logistics, were also destroyed at the location, effectively cutting off a key means of movement for the fleeing elements.
Beyond the battlefield gains, the operation delivered a profound humanitarian outcome that underscored the broader objectives of Operation FANSAN YAMMA. As troops continued to exploit deeper into the forest, they discovered and rescued an underage kidnapping victim, identified as Halira Ibrahim. The girl, who had reportedly been held by the terrorists under harsh conditions, was safely extracted from the area and placed under military care pending reunification with her family and further support from relevant authorities.
Military officials described the rescue as a powerful reminder of the human cost of terrorism and banditry in the region, where abductions for ransom have devastated families and communities for years. The successful recovery of the victim has been widely welcomed by residents, many of whom have endured repeated attacks and live under constant fear of armed groups operating from forested enclaves.
The offensive did not end with the rescue. Troops proceeded to dismantle several terrorist camps and life-support structures located in Magaji, Galakaje, Filinga, and Kukatara areas of the forest. These camps, according to security sources, served as bases for planning attacks, storing supplies, and sheltering fighters following raids on nearby villages. Their destruction is expected to significantly disrupt the ability of the terrorist groups to regroup, resupply, and launch further operations in Zamfara State.
Military analysts note that the Sububu Forests have long posed a challenge to security forces due to their vastness, difficult terrain, and proximity to multiple rural communities. Armed groups have exploited these conditions to establish semi-permanent camps, recruit fighters, and coordinate cross-border criminal activities. The latest operation, they say, reflects a growing emphasis on sustained pressure, intelligence-driven strikes, and coordinated ground manoeuvres designed to deny terrorists any opportunity to re-establish safe havens.
Residents of Maradun Local Government Area have reacted with cautious optimism to news of the operation. Community sources say the presence of troops and the destruction of known terrorist camps have brought a measure of relief, even as fears of reprisals and renewed attacks linger. Many have called on security agencies to maintain their presence in the area and continue clearance operations to ensure that displaced terrorists do not return once troops withdraw.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA was launched as part of a broader national strategy to tackle insecurity across Nigeria’s North-West, where banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping have claimed thousands of lives and displaced entire communities. In recent months, military authorities have intensified operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and neighbouring states, combining kinetic actions with efforts to disrupt supply routes and financial networks linked to armed groups.
In a statement accompanying the operation, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain David Adewusi, reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to protecting civilians and restoring peace to affected areas. He emphasised that the successes recorded in Sububu Forests demonstrate the resolve of Nigerian troops to confront terrorists wherever they operate and to rescue innocent victims held in captivity.
As the military consolidates gains from the latest offensive, security sources indicate that follow-up operations and patrols are expected to continue across the forested corridors of Zamfara State. Authorities have also urged residents to support ongoing efforts by providing credible intelligence and resisting collaboration with criminal elements.
While challenges remain, the operation in Sububu Forests stands as one of the most significant blows dealt to terrorist groups in the area in recent times, offering renewed hope to communities that have long borne the brunt of insecurity and violence.
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