Troops of 1 Brigade, Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West under Operation Fansan Yamma, have neutralized a notorious kingpin Sani Rusu and dismantled their hideouts in a series of operations.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, the troops conducted a fighting patrol in Bamamu Village, Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA), on January 4, 2025. During the operation, they engaged with terrorists, leading to the elimination of a high-profile terrorist leader, Sani Rusu.
On the same day, troops ambushed terrorists at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi LGA, acting on credible intelligence. Several terrorists were neutralized, while others sustained severe injuries. Weapons and equipment recovered during the ambush include one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, three magazines, and three motorcycles.
In a related development, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma carried out airstrikes on December 30, 2024, targeting a terrorist meeting led by Bello Turji in Fakai and Kware areas of Shinkafi LGA. Follow-up strikes on January 2, 2025, targeted the camp of terrorist kingpin Ibrahim Chumo in Maikaman Rini, Sububu Forest, providing aerial support to ground operations.
Further offensive operations were launched on January 5, 2025, against Bello Turji’s camp in Chida, Shinkafi LGA. Aerial surveillance confirmed that the terrorists suffered significant casualties, with their hideouts destroyed and many fighters injured.
Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi assured the public that Operation Fansan Yamma remains committed to eliminating terrorist threats and restoring peace and security across the region.