Jun 9, 2026

Troops Kill Terrorist, Arrest Nine Suspects as Military Intensifies Crackdown in Zamfara

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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The military’s ongoing offensive against terrorism and banditry in Nigeria’s North-West recorded fresh gains over the weekend as troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, neutralized a terrorist, arrested suspected bandits and disrupted criminal networks across several communities in Zamfara State.

According to military authorities, the operations were carried out between June 5 and June 6 across Birnin Magaji, Kaura Namoda, Zurmi, Maru and Shinkafi local government areas as part of sustained efforts to restore security and protect residents from recurring attacks.

The first operation took place on June 5 when troops of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, while conducting a fighting patrol around Birnin Tsaba and Tsanu villages in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, encountered armed terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village.

A fierce gun battle reportedly ensued, resulting in the death of one terrorist. Soldiers also recovered seven motorcycles believed to have been used by the criminal group for mobility and logistics.

In a separate incident on June 6, troops responded swiftly after terrorists attacked Anguwar Sarkin Musulmi village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. Military sources said the attackers had already looted residents’ belongings before security personnel arrived at the scene.

Upon engaging the criminals, troops forced them to retreat into nearby forests, preventing further destruction and harm to villagers.

Military officials noted that the incident reflects what they described as the increasing desperation of terrorist groups whose operational capabilities and supply channels have been significantly weakened by continuous military pressure across the region.

The same day, troops were mobilized following reports of an attack on travellers along the Kaura Namoda-Zurmi highway. Preliminary investigations revealed that armed terrorists ambushed two civilian vehicles between Jabanda and Dauran villages in Zurmi Local Government Area.

Security personnel secured the area, evacuated injured victims for medical attention and launched follow-up operations aimed at tracking the attackers and locating any passengers who may have been abducted during the incident.

Another major breakthrough came during a fighting patrol to Tudun Wada and Dan Gulbi communities in Maru Local Government Area, where troops arrested eight suspected bandits.

Items recovered from the suspects included seven motorcycles, communication gadgets, mobile phones, power banks and military-style uniforms. Troops also destroyed a structure allegedly used as an operational base by the suspects.

In a related intelligence-led operation, troops arrested a man believed to be the intended recipient of ammunition recently intercepted by security forces. The suspect was apprehended at Tupa village in Shinkafi Local Government Area after investigators traced links to the intercepted consignment.

Military authorities said the suspect remains in custody and is providing useful information to investigators.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and bandits across the North-West while urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.

The latest operations add to a growing list of military successes in Zamfara and neighbouring states, where security forces have intensified efforts to dismantle armed groups responsible for attacks on communities, kidnappings and highway ambushes.