Troops from 1 Brigade, Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have successfully neutralized notorious terrorist kingpin, Sani Rusu, in Zamfara State.
In a statement released by the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Fansan Yamma Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, the operation took place over the weekend when the troops conducted a fighting patrol to Bamamu Village in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The operation, which was part of an ongoing offensive against terrorism, led to the death of Rusu and also saw the troops conduct an ambush operation at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi Local Government Area based on credible intelligence about terrorist activities. The ambush resulted in the neutralization of additional terrorists, with others sustaining fatal injuries. During the operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, three magazines, and three motorcycles.
In a separate aerial operation, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma launched airstrikes on December 30, 2024, targeting terrorists who had gathered between Fakai and Kware in Shinkafi LGA. The airstrike was prompted by intelligence reports indicating that the terrorists, led by Bello Turji, were convening a meeting in the area.
Further, on January 2, 2025, airstrikes were conducted in the Maikaman Rini area of Sububu Forest, supporting ground troops’ efforts against the camp of another terrorist kingpin, Ibrahim Chumo. On January 5, 2025, Operation Fansan Yamma continued its offensive operations against Bello Turji’s camp in the Chida area of Shinkafi, with aerial surveillance showing significant casualties among the terrorists, as well as the destruction of their hideouts.
The Joint Task Force has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating terrorist threats in the region and maintaining peace and security. It also urged continued cooperation from local communities to support the success of these operations.
