Troops of Operation TSAFTA DAJI III, Phase 2, have escalated their campaign against banditry in Zamfara State, launching a series of aggressive raids across Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA) on February 20, 2025. The operations, aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds, resulted in the recovery of weapons, ammunition, military gear, and vital supplies, delivering a significant setback to bandit networks in the region.
Intelligence sources revealed to Zagazola Makama, a seasoned Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region, that the latest offensive targeted the hideout of notorious bandit leader Sani Black in Tungar Fulani. The meticulously planned fighting patrol sought to disrupt the operational base of the terrorist kingpin, known for terrorizing communities in the Northwest. However, upon arrival, troops encountered no resistance—the remaining bandits had abandoned their positions and fled deep into the dense forest as the soldiers closed in.
Undeterred, the troops pressed forward to Gidan Baye Auta, another known bandit enclave. Here, they faced a brief skirmish as bandits opened fire in a desperate bid to hold their ground. The soldiers responded decisively, neutralizing one terrorist in the exchange. The surviving bandits scattered, fleeing on motorcycles as troops secured the area. A motorcycle belonging to the fallen bandit was among the items recovered, marking another tactical victory.
Later that evening, at approximately 6:00 p.m., intelligence led the troops to Kalage Village, where they uncovered a critical food supply cache tied to the infamous terrorist leader Kachallah Gidado. The soldiers seized 10 bags of sorghum, a staple sustaining the insurgents’ operations, effectively crippling their logistical lifeline. This seizure underscores the military’s strategy to choke bandit supply chains while dismantling their physical bases.
The Nigerian military’s sustained clearance efforts have yielded significant results across Zamfara and the broader Northwest, with scores of bandits eliminated and numerous camps destroyed. Military authorities have called on local residents to play an active role in the fight against insurgency by reporting suspicious activities. “Operations will continue unabated until all terrorist networks are dismantled,” a military spokesperson affirmed, highlighting the resolve to restore peace in the troubled region.
The recent successes in Zurmi LGA reflect the broader momentum of Operation TSAFTA DAJI III, Phase 2, which has intensified under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede. General Oluyede has directed troops to maintain relentless pressure on terrorist factions in the Northwest, urging them to employ innovative tactics to root out insurgency. “The Nigerian Army, in synergy with sister services and other security agencies, has continued to apply pressure on terrorist elements. Your commitment and sacrifices are making a remarkable difference in safeguarding Nigeria’s defence and security,” he stated, commending the troops’ dedication.
The operations in Zurmi follow a pattern of bold incursions into bandit-controlled territories, with troops recovering a range of items, including arms, ammunition, and logistics essential to terrorist activities. The flight of bandits from Tungar Fulani and Gidan Baye Auta, coupled with the disruption of Kachallah Gidado’s supply network, signals a weakening grip of these criminal elements in the area. As the military presses its advantage, the people of Zamfara State look to a future where security and stability might finally take hold.