GUSAU — Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified operations against terrorists and bandits in Zamfara State, neutralising a terrorist, arresting nine suspects, and recovering motorcycles, communication gadgets, and other items during a series of operations across the state.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 conducting a fighting patrol to Birnin Tsaba and Tsanu villages in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area on June 5 engaged terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village.

The ensuing gun battle resulted in the neutralisation of one terrorist, while troops recovered seven motorcycles believed to have been used by the criminal elements.

In another operation on June 6, troops responded to a terrorist attack at Anguwar Sarkin Musulmi village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. On sighting the troops, the attackers reportedly fled into the surrounding bush.

Military authorities said preliminary investigations revealed that the terrorists had stolen personal belongings from residents before the arrival of security personnel.

The task force noted that the incident reflected the increasing pressure being mounted on terrorist groups through sustained military offensives that have disrupted their sources of logistics and support.

Also on June 6, troops were deployed following reports of an attack on commuters along the Kaura Namoda–Zurmi Road.

Investigations showed that terrorists ambushed two civilian vehicles between Jabanda and Dauran villages in Zurmi Local Government Area.

Troops subsequently secured the area, evacuated injured victims for medical attention, and launched efforts to track down the attackers and rescue any passengers who may have been abducted during the incident.

In a separate operation carried out the same day, troops on a fighting patrol to Tudun Wada and Dan Gulbi communities in Maru Local Government Area arrested eight suspected bandits at Tudun Wada.

Items recovered from the suspects included seven motorcycles, communication equipment, mobile phones, power banks, military-style uniforms, and other materials.

The troops also destroyed a structure allegedly being used by the suspects as an operational base.

Meanwhile, on June 5, troops arrested a suspected recipient of recently intercepted ammunition at Tupa village in Shinkafi Local Government Area following intelligence-led operations.

The military said the suspect is currently in custody and assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and bandits across the North-West region and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security.

The latest operations form part of intensified military campaigns aimed at dismantling criminal networks and reducing terrorist activities across Zamfara State and the wider North-West region.