Troops eliminate 50 terrorists, seize Tungan Fulani Hills in Zamfara

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against banditry and terrorism in Zamfara State’s Northwest region.

During a fierce battle in Operation FANSAR YAN BINDIGA, troops neutralised over 50 terrorists and inflicted severe injuries on at least 25 others, including top commanders linked to Bello Turji and Sani Mai Nasara (Sani Black).

It was gathered that among those killed were notorious terrorists Kachallah Sanni Bammuwa, Kachallah Auta, Audu Gajere, Kabiru Jangeru, Dan-Gajere (son of Audu Jabbi), and Bako Malaika, known for their criminal activities around Tungan Dan Musa.

The successful offensive marks the first time in years that Nigerian troops have been able to penetrate and dominate Tungan Fulani Hills, a location that had become one of the most dangerous terrorist fortresses in the Zurmi-Shinkafi axis.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency pundit, recalled that five previous attempts by troops to access the valley had failed due to stiff terrorist resistance, resulting in casualties among troops and damage to military equipment.

The area gained notoriety following a deadly ambush in 2019, when Bello Turji and Sani Black’s fighters killed a Major and 16 soldiers who were en route to rotate troops stationed in Mashema village. After that incident, the military was forced to withdraw from Mashema District, leaving the region under terrorist control.

Similarly, on August 30, 2024, Turji and Sani Black’s fighters launched another devastating attack on troops at Kwashebawa village, where they burned Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and killed two soldiers.

Following the historic victory, military defense 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.

“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,” one of the sources said.

The recent success is also significant because Tungan Fulani Hills serves as a key route for arms smuggling from Niger Republic and Mali, as reports indicated that Turji and Sani Black had been using the hilly terrain to store weapons, plan ambushes, and conduct kidnappings along major roads. By securing the area, the Nigerian military has disrupted their supply chain and cut off their escape routes to neighbouring forests.

Residents Urged to Support Security Operations
In the wake of the Tungan Fulani Hills offensive, security forces are calling on local communities to cooperate with intelligence operatives to help track down fleeing terrorists.

Military sources confirmed that troops have expanded their operations beyond Zamfara, targeting terrorist hideouts in neighbouring states to prevent them from regrouping.

As ‘Operation Show No Mercy’ intensifies, security agencies are urging communities to report suspicious movements and avoid providing logistics or shelter to fleeing bandits.

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