Over 40 Terrorists Killed as Troops lost 10 CJTF in Sustain Weeklong Offensive in Northwest Nigeria
By: Zagazola Makama
In what has been described as one of the most aggressive counterterrorism campaigns in recent months, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have eliminated over 40 terrorists across Zamfara and Kebbi states in a weeklong offensive.
Zagazola Makama report that the large-scale operation, covering Anka, Bagega, Bukkuyum, and Suru Local Government Areas, saw multiple clearance missions, ambush operations, and counterinsurgency raids aimed at dismantling terrorist hideouts and disrupting their supply lines.
Intelligence sources from the battlefield, involved in the operation detailed the series of engagements that led to the heavy casualties suffered by the terrorists.
The offensive began in the early hours of March 25, when troops of 1 Brigade Special Force, Hybrid Force and Zamfara State Community Protection Guard, advanced into Sunke village and its surrounding forest in Zamfara State. Intelligence indicated that a significant number of terrorists were hiding within the area.
“We encountered heavy resistance. The terrorists fought for over four hours, but they were eventually overwhelmed by our superior firepower. They withdrew deep into the forest,” the sources recounted.
Despite the difficult terrain, troops pursued them as far as possible, neutralizing an estimated 30 terrorists. Among recovered several weapons, motorcycles and AK-47 rifles. “We also destroyed the notorious Kachallaha Suza camp, where the terrorists had been regrouping,” he added.
Joint Operations in Kebbi: Clearing the Terrorist Strongholds
As part of the wider operation, troops in Kebbi State launched simultaneous clearance missions in five terrorist-infested villages: Fanna, Bandi, Tunga Makera, Asara, and Rodunbisa, all in Suru Local Government Area.
While these locations were cleared without resistance, an ambush was set up at Rodunbisa, based on intelligence that terrorists frequently used the area as a crossing point.
“During the ambush at about 6:00 p.m. on March 25, we engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle. Two of them were killed on the spot, and a motorcycle they were using was engulfed in flames, burning one of them along with his AK-47 rifle,” the commander revealed. Recovered weapons included a PKT machine gun loaded with 134 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition, as well as two AK-47 magazines containing 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Additionally, two suspected informants Ruskwa Gurjare and Garba Umaru were arrested in a nearby Ruga settlement after intelligence confirmed their ties to terrorist groups.
Fierce Ambush in Gando Forest: A Costly Battle
Perhaps the most intense engagement occurred in Gando Forest, Zamfara State, during an assault on March 25 aimed at dismantling the Kachallah Bello Kaura Camp. With air support, troops cleared multiple terrorist camps. However, while withdrawing back to their firm base at Bagega, they came under heavy ambush.
“The terrorists had set up a deadly ambush after our UAV departed. They opened fire, but we responded with overwhelming firepower and maneuvered through the bush, forcing them to flee into the thick terrain,” the sources described.
The battle came at a cost. Six personnel of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (ZSCPG) and four local vigilantes lost their lives, while 10 others sustained injuries. Recovered enemy equipment included a Baofeng radio set, a jungle camouflage hat, a woodland camouflage uniform, and an empty AK-47 magazine.
As the offensive continued, troops uncovered a terrorist plot to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along a key military route in Gando Forest.
“During an ambush operation at 4:00 a.m. on March 26, we caught a group of terrorists in the act of laying IEDs. They fled under the cover of darkness, abandoning three 25-litre jerrycans filled with IED materials, 300 meters of sapper cable, and a DET 33 electric detonator,” the sources revealed.
But in a major blow against the bandits, troops, HYBRID forces and vigilante groups encountered Kachallah Dan Isuhu, a Major terrorists kingpin at about 1700hrs, on March 27 at Keita village under Tsafe District of Zamfara State, in the aftermath of the encounter, 9 bandits were neutralized while three local vigilante paid the supreme price, while Dan Isuhu who sustained bullet wounds fled.
He was gun down later that evening by Kachalla Dan Mai Nauyi, another bandit kingpin loyal to the Dogo Gide’s faction at Tsamiya village at Danjibga Market where he went for a medical treatment.
His killing comes just two days after a violent clash between him and another top bandit leader, Kachalla Bakin Sifindi. On March 25, 2025, Isuhu Yellow killed Bakin Sifindi and one of his close associates near Sabon Birni, between the forests of Munhaye and Tsafe.
Despite the loss of security personnel, military sources say the offensive remains on course, with troops maintaining a high level of morale and combat readiness.
“Our mission is clear to eradicate these terrorists and restore security. The men are motivated, and we will not stop until the enemy is decisively defeated,” the sources emphasized.
