Troops kill ‘50 terrorists, capture notorious stronghold’ in Zamfara

Troops of the Nigerian Army have reportedly killed at least 50 terrorists and captured Tungan Fulani hills, a “notorious stronghold” in Zamfara state.

Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that the operation, codenamed Fansar Yan Bindiga, led to a fierce battle, leaving at least 25 other terrorists injured, including top commanders loyal to Bello Turji and Sani Black.

Among those killed were Kachallah Sanni Bammuwa, Kachallah Auta, Audu Gajere, Kabiru Jangeru, Dan-Gajere (son of Audu Jabbi), and Bako Malaika, a notorious terrorist operating around Tungan Dan Musa.

The report added that the capture of Tungan Fulani Hills marks the first time in years that troops have been able to penetrate and dominate the area, which had long served as a terrorist stronghold in the Zurmi-Shinkafi axis.

According to Makama, five previous attempts by troops to access the valley had failed due to stiff terrorist resistance, resulting in casualties and damage to military equipment.

The area gained notoriety after a deadly ambush in 2019 when Turji and Sani Black’s fighters killed a major and 16 soldiers who were en route to rotate troops stationed in Mashema village.

Following that incident, the military withdrew from Mashema district, leaving the region under terrorist control.

On August 30, 2024, Turji and Sani Black’s fighters launched another attack on troops at Kwashebawa village, burning mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles and killing two soldiers.

OPERATION SHOW NO MERCY

Following the military’s victory, defence officials have vowed to sustain the offensive under the newly declared Operation Show No Mercy.

“The mission is not just to push the terrorists out but to ensure their complete elimination,” a top military source quoted in the report, said.

“The time for hiding is over. Bello Turji, Sani Black, and their fighters must either surrender unconditionally or face total annihilation. There will be no negotiations, no safe havens, and no escape routes.”

Securing Tungan Fulani Hills is also seen as a strategic victory, as intelligence reports indicate that Turji and Sani Black had been using the terrain to store weapons, plan ambushes, and conduct kidnappings along major roads.

The area also serves as a key route for arms smuggling from Niger Republic and Mali.

“By taking control of the hills, the military has disrupted their supply chain and cut off their escape routes to neighbouring forests,” Makama said.

The report noted that security forces urge locals to report suspicious activity and avoid aiding fleeing bandits.

“The Nigerian Army, with support from the Air Force and other security agencies, is committed to eradicating terrorism in the North-West,” another military source said.

“The fight is far from over, but we have sent a strong message that there is no safe place for terrorists in Nigeria.

“This operation will not stop until every terrorist camp is destroyed, every leader is neutralized, and every fugitive is brought to justice. The choice is clear—surrender now or face destruction.”