Nigerian troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA have intensified their campaign against banditry in Zamfara State, extending their operations from the Zurmi/Shinkafi axis to the Anka/Bagega corridor. This strategic move aims to prevent bandits from regrouping after over 17 days of deep forest incursions.
According to Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region, Truth Live News learnt that the ongoing operation has significantly disrupted the bandits’ logistics and support systems. Intelligence suggests that the bandits, initially expecting a short-lived military presence, are now facing starvation and disarray.
“Many bandits are now too weak to launch attacks, resorting instead to sneaking into villages at odd hours to beg for food,” intelligence sources revealed. Some have even resorted to stealing meals directly from cooking pots before retreating back into the forest.
The relentless military pressure has led bandits to question the authenticity and endurance of the Nigerian Army’s commitment, as past operations were less sustained.
The strategic placement of troops has effectively cut off the bandits’ access to essential supplies like arms, fuel, and food, breaking down their network cohesion. The 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has been particularly active, conducting aggressive clearance in Shinkafi forests, denying bandits any safe havens.
This operation marks a pivotal shift in the fight against banditry in Northwest Nigeria. Unlike the previous brief sweeps, this campaign aims to exhaust and ultimately eradicate the criminal elements.
The military’s prolonged presence has instilled a renewed sense of security among the local populace, who have endured years of oppression, forced labor, kidnappings, and violence at the hands of these gangs. Encouraged by this new dynamic, residents have begun to supply intelligence that aids in targeting bandit strongholds more effectively.
Frontline troops expressed personal commitment to the mission: “For the troops on the ground, this mission is not just about national security, it is personal. The burning of an armored vehicle in Kwashebawa, previous attacks on military camps, and the killing of soldiers have only fueled our resolve. This is not just an operation; it is payback. They will either surrender unconditionally or face the consequences. We are here to take our pound of flesh and ensure that these criminals never recover from this onslaught.”
The message to the bandits is unambiguous: there will be no safe haven, no respite, and no return to their terror. “The Nigerian military is here to stay, peace must be restored whether they like it or not,” stated the troops.