Zamfara offensive operation troops kill terrorists and recover weapons as military intensifies crackdown on bandit hideouts

Troops of Sector 2 under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have killed suspected terrorists and recovered weapons during intensified clearance operations across parts of Zamfara State.

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The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), who said the coordinated raids were carried out in the early hours of May 4.

The Zamfara offensive operation troops targeted multiple locations, including Maikwanuga village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, and Aljumma, Gidan Dawa, Magami Didi, and Tungar Magaji villages in Maradun Local Government Area.

According to Danja, troops encountered armed fighters at Tungar Magaji, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

“During the advance, troops engaged terrorists in Tungar Magaji with overwhelming firepower, neutralising two terrorists and forcing others to flee in disarray,” he said.

Following the confrontation, soldiers conducted a sweep of the area, recovering one AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing suspects.

The operation forms part of a broader and sustained military push to dismantle criminal enclaves within the Bagega–Sunke forest corridor, a region long associated with bandit activity.

Danja described the campaign as a decisive effort to restore security and stability to affected communities, noting that operations would continue until armed groups are fully neutralised.

“Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives and property and will continue to sustain offensive actions against terrorists in its area of responsibility,” he said.

He also called on residents to support ongoing efforts by providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies.

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The Zamfara offensive operation troops campaign underscores the military’s renewed determination to weaken insurgent networks in the North-West, as authorities intensify pressure on criminal groups operating in remote forest regions.