The Nigerian Army has announced the successful neutralization of notorious terrorist kingpin, Sani Rusu, along with several other terrorists during separate operations in Zamfara State. The operations were carried out by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma.
According to Zagazola, a Sub-Saharan Africa security watchdog, Truth Live News gathered that Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Fansan Yamma, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday. Abdullahi revealed that troops from 1 Brigade, Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West conducted a fighting patrol to Bamamu Village in Tsafe Local Government Area on January 4. During the operation, the troops encountered and neutralized the notorious terrorist leader, Sani Rusu.
On the same day, the troops carried out an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi Local Government Area following credible intelligence about terrorist activities in the region. Abdullahi stated, “During the operation, several terrorists were neutralized, while others sustained fatal injuries. Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 4 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 3 magazines, and 3 motorcycles.”
The statement further highlighted the continued efforts of the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, which intensified airstrikes on terrorist hideouts, including those led by notorious kingpins Bello Turji and Ibrahim Chumo. On December 30, 2024, the Air Component successfully executed precision airstrikes on a terrorist meeting between Fakai and Kware in Shinkafi LGA, based on intelligence that Turji and his fighters had gathered in the area.
Abdullahi added, “In a follow-up operation on January 2, 2025, airstrikes targeted Maikaman Rini in Sububu Forest, in support of ground troops advancing on Chumo’s camp.” The airstrikes were a part of coordinated efforts to dismantle terrorist operations in the region.