Olayiwola Matthew
Nigerian troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with Zamfara State’s Community Watch group, also known as Askarawa, have achieved a major breakthrough by neutralizing three notorious bandit leaders in Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the bandit leaders including Kachallah Mai Shadda, Kachalla Gurgu, and Kachalla Mai Dadawere ambushed and eliminated near Gangara village while fleeing military incursions. The operation occurred as the bandits attempted to escape on two motorcycles.
The latest operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry across the Northwest region, including Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States. In the past week, over 60 bandits have been neutralized, while dozens have been forced to flee their enclaves due to intensified military pressure.
In another operation, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out precision strikes targeting bandits loyal to the infamous Bello Turji as they retreated toward remote areas in Maradun and Zurmi LGAs. Ground troops and local vigilantes supported the airstrikes, inflicting heavy casualties on the assailants.
Ground forces also recorded successes in Fakai, located in Shinkafi LGA, where several bandits were eliminated. However, some vigilantes pursuing the criminals were caught in crossfire, resulting in casualties. The injured vigilantes have been evacuated to healthcare facilities in Kaura Namoda, Zurmi, and Kaya for treatment.
Sources report that bandits led by Bello Turji are relocating from Shinkafi LGA’s forest to Surbudu Forest in Isa LGA of Sokoto State. This movement has raised concerns about potential regrouping.
In a separate incident, Turji’s faction was spotted along the Mayasa Road near Gidan Jaja, transporting hundreds of rustled livestock. To avoid aerial detection, the bandits positioned the animals at the front of their convoy while riding motorcycles in the middle, complicating surveillance efforts.