Troops of Sector 2 under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have killed suspected terrorists and recovered weapons during a series of coordinated operations in Zamfara State.
The military said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to flush out armed groups and restore peace in communities troubled by banditry and violent attacks across the North-West region.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the latest offensive took place in the early hours of May 4, 2026.
According to him, the troops targeted known hideouts of terrorist groups in several villages across Talata Mafara and Maradun Local Government Areas of the state.
The affected communities include Maikwanuga village in Talata Mafara, as well as Aljumma, Gidan Dawa, Magami Didi and Tungar Magaji villages in Maradun.
Zamfara State has, for years, remained one of the worst-hit areas in Nigeria’s security crisis, with frequent cases of banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on rural communities. Armed groups, often referred to as bandits, operate from forest areas and carry out raids on villages, leading to loss of lives and displacement of residents.
The Nigerian military has launched several operations in recent years to tackle the problem, including Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which focuses on clearing terrorist camps and restoring normal life in affected areas.
Providing details of the latest operation, Danja said troops made contact with suspected terrorists at Tungar Magaji village, where a gun battle followed.
“During the advance, troops engaged terrorists in Tungar Magaji with overwhelming firepower, neutralising two terrorists and forcing others to flee in disarray,” he said.
He explained that after the exchange of gunfire, the troops moved in to secure the area and carried out a search operation.
During the search, soldiers recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, as well as a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing suspects.
“Following the engagement, troops conducted a thorough search of the area, recovering one AK-47 rifle with a 30-round loaded magazine and one motorcycle,” Danja added.
Military authorities say such recoveries are important in weakening the operational capacity of criminal groups, as it reduces their access to weapons and mobility.
The statement noted that the operation is part of a wider campaign targeting the Bagega–Sunke forest corridor, a known hideout for armed groups in the region.
The forest areas in Zamfara and neighbouring states have long served as safe havens for bandits due to their difficult terrain and limited security presence. From these locations, the groups plan attacks and evade security forces.
Danja said the ongoing operations are aimed at dismantling these camps and ensuring that residents can return to their normal lives without fear.
“The operations are part of a sustained campaign to dismantle terrorist hideouts within the Bagega–Sunke forest corridor and ensure lasting security for affected communities,” he said.
He assured that troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA remain committed to their mission and will continue to intensify offensive actions until the threat is brought under control.
“Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives and property and will continue to sustain offensive actions against terrorists in its area of responsibility,” he added.
In recent months, the military has increased its presence in Zamfara and neighbouring states, carrying out air and ground operations against suspected bandit camps. These efforts have led to the rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of weapons, and the killing of several suspects.
However, residents in many rural communities continue to face threats, with some areas still experiencing attacks and displacement.
The Federal Government has repeatedly assured Nigerians that it is committed to ending insecurity across the country. Measures such as military operations, deployment of additional personnel, and collaboration with local authorities have been put in place to address the crisis.
For communities in Zamfara, the latest operation brings a measure of hope, as continued military pressure on armed groups could help reduce attacks and restore stability.
As operations continue, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the renewed offensive can bring lasting relief to communities that have suffered years of violence.
For now, the military says it remains focused on its objective, clearing terrorist strongholds and ensuring that citizens can live without fear.