Troops kill terrorist, airstrikes hit Zamfara hideout
September 10, 2026 12:11 am
Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have killed a suspected terrorist in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while military airstrikes reportedly hit a terrorist hideout in Tsafe LGA, with several fighters allegedly killed and wounded.
The troops, according to a local source who pleaded anonymity, were conducting operations around the Galadi axis when they spotted suspected terrorists riding motorcycles and attempting to cross the road.
The source said troops engaged the suspects, resulting in the death of one of them, while others reportedly fled the scene.
The deceased, it was reported, was found wearing a woodland camouflage vest underneath his kaftan, while photos recovered from his phone showed him wearing camouflage and holding a PKT machine gun.
The troops also recovered four mobile phones and N30,350 in cash from the scene.
The development is the latest in a series of operations by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma aimed at disrupting the activities of terrorists and bandits operating across the North-West.
The military commended the troops for what it described as their alertness and swift response during the operation.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma earlier carried out airstrikes on suspected terrorist positions in Yankuzo community, Tsafe LGA, reportedly killing and wounding several fighters.
The operation was said to have taken place on the evening of September 7, 2026, following coordinated aerial operations involving five military aircraft.
Local sources told our correspondent that the aircraft targeted suspected terrorists operating in the area, with several fighters reportedly killed.
However, the exact number of casualties could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
One of those reportedly killed was identified as Isiya Gurgu, said to be a close associate of a notorious bandit leader, Musa Commander, who is reportedly linked to the Ado Aleru network.
Sources further alleged that Musa Commander operated with the network across several communities, including Tsamiya and other settlements in the area.
The air operation was reportedly conducted with caution to minimise the risk of civilian casualties, with the strikes focused on individuals suspected of carrying weapons or wearing military-style clothing.
Several other terrorists were also said to have sustained injuries.
Yankuzo has reportedly remained a stronghold for armed groups linked to the Ado Aleru network, with residents facing persistent threats from terrorists operating in the surrounding communities.
When contacted for confirmation, the spokesman for the Nigerian Army, 8 Division, Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, said the Nigerian Air Force was the appropriate authority to comment on the operation.
Also, the spokesman for Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt Col Aliyu Danja, when contacted, said the operation may be from the Air Force.
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