Troops gun down notorious terrorist kingpin in Zamfara

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have successfully neutralized Sani Rusu, a notorious terrorist kingpin, along with several other militants in separate operations within Zamfara State.

Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Fansan Yamma, confirmed the operations in a statement released on Monday, January 6, 2025.

According to Abdullahi, on January 4, troops from 1 Brigade, Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, conducted a fighting patrol to Bamamu Village in Tsafe Local Government Area, where they encountered and eliminated Rusu during an intense operation.

In another operation on the same day, troops set up an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi LGA after receiving credible intelligence about terrorist activity in the region.

“During the operation, several terrorists were neutralized, while others sustained fatal injuries. Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 4 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 3 magazines, and 3 motorcycles,” the statement said.

He said that the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma intensified strikes on terrorist enclaves, including those led by notorious kingpins Bello Turji and Ibrahim Chumo.

On Dec. 30, 2024, the Air Component conducted precision airstrikes on a terrorist meeting between Fakai and Kware areas in Shinkafi LGA. Intelligence revealed that Turji and his fighters had convened in the area.

“In a follow-up operation on Jan. 2, 2025, airstrikes targeted Maikaman Rini in Sububu Forest, in support of ground troops advancing on Chumo’s camp,” the statement said.

On January 5, the troops launched an offensive on Turji’s camp in Chida, Shinkafi LGA, resulting in significant casualties and the destruction of hideouts.

Abdullahi reiterated the commitment of Operation Fansan Yamma to neutralize terrorist threats and restore peace to the region.

“The Joint Task Force appreciates the continued support of the local communities and encourages further cooperation to achieve its mandate,” he added.