Troops from the 1 Brigade, Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, have successfully eliminated a notorious terrorist leader, Sani Russu, during operations in Zamfara State.
The operations also resulted in the recovery of arms and ammunition.
According to a statement released on Monday in Gusau by Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, the troops launched a patrol on January 4 in Bamamu village, Tsafe Local Government Area.
During an encounter with terrorists in the area, Sani Russu was neutralized.
On the same day, an ambush operation based on intelligence reports targeted terrorists at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
Several terrorists were neutralized, while others sustained severe injuries.
The operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, three magazines, and three motorcycles.
In a related effort, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma carried out airstrikes on December 30 targeting a terrorist meeting led by Bello Turji in the Fakai and Kware areas of Shinkafi.
Follow-up strikes on January 2 targeted Ibrahim Chumo’s camp in the Maikaman Rini area of Sububu Forest, providing air support to ground troops.
Further offensive operations on January 5 targeted Bello Turji’s camp in the Chida area of Shinkafi.
Aerial surveillance revealed heavy casualties among the terrorists, with several injured and their hideouts destroyed.
The statement emphasized that Operation Fansan Yamma remains committed to eradicating terrorist threats in the region.
Communities were encouraged to cooperate with the Joint Task Force in maintaining peace and security.