Troops Clear Bandit Camps in Zurmi, Recover Weapons as bandits fled in disarray
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation TSAFTA DAJI III, Phase 2 have intensified clearance operations against bandits in Zamfara State, conducting multiple raids in Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA). The latest offensive led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, military gear, and logistics belonging to terrorist kingpins.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region that the troops launched a fighting patrol targeting a known hideout of the notorious bandit leader Sani Black at Tungar Fulani on February 20, 2025. The operation aimed to dismantle the terrorist stronghold and disrupt their activities.
However, upon arrival, troops met no resistance as the remaining bandits had fled deep into the forest before the soldiers’ approach.
A thorough search of the camp led to the discovery of a cache of weapons, military gear, and tactical equipment, including: 2 QJC heavy machine gun mounts, 1 pistol, 21 rounds of 7.62mm x 51mm ammunition, 3 damaged AK-47 rifles, 14 tear gas canisters, 1 PKT machine gun barrel, 4 pairs of desert boots, 1 police uniform
8 ballistic helmets, 5 empty boxes of 12.7mm x 108mm ammunition, 3 jungle hats, 2 Baofeng radios (used for communication), 1 fragmentation jacket and 1 pair of military raincoats
Following the successful raid in Tungar Fulani, troops proceeded to Gidan Baye Auta both known to harbor terrorist elements.
Upon arrival, troops came under fire from bandits attempting to defend their positions. The soldiers swiftly returned fire, neutralizing one terrorist while the rest fled on motorcycles.
Troops recovered a motorcycle from the neutralized bandit before successfully securing the area.
Later in the evening, at approximately 1800 hours, intelligence reports led troops to Kalage Village, where they uncovered a food supply cache linked to the notorious terrorist kingpin, Kachallah Gidado.
The troops seized 10 bags of sorghum, a crucial food source for the insurgents, dealing a blow to their supply chain.
The Nigerian military has sustained clearance operations against terrorist enclaves in Zamfara and across the Northwest, resulting in the elimination of scores of bandits and the destruction of their stronghold. Military authorities have urged local communities to cooperate with security forces by reporting suspicious activities, emphasizing that operations will continue until all terrorist networks are dismantled.
The recent successes of Operation TSAFTA DAJI III, Phase 2 reinforce the military’s efforts to restore peace and security in Zurmi LGA and surrounding areas.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed troops to sustain the onslaught against terrorists in the North West and apply ingenuity in military operations to defeat insurgency in the region.
“The Nigerian Army, in synergy with sister services and other security agencies, has continued to apply pressure on terrorist elements. Your commitment and sacrifices are making a remarkable difference in safeguarding Nigeria’s defence and security,” General Oluyede stated.
