Troops Eliminate Terror Kingpin In Zamfara, Disrupt Supply Network In Borno

Nigerian military forces have achieved major breakthroughs in the fight against terrorism and banditry, neutralising a notorious terrorist leader and thwarting several criminal operations across the country.

The Defence Headquarters announced on Sunday that troops of Operation Fasin Yamma killed a dreaded terrorist commander identified as Mai Dada during a counteroffensive mission in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Mai Dada had long been on security watchlists for terrorising communities across the North-West.

Providing an update on nationwide operations conducted between June 25 and 26, Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that troops also intercepted a vehicle in Monguno, Borno State, loaded with supplies believed to be destined for terrorist camps. Items seized included 65 litres of petrol, bags of rice, groundnuts, fertiliser, yam tubers, motorcycle headlights, solar lights, cement bags, solar panels, and a mobile phone. One suspect was apprehended.

Further operations in Gwoza Local Government Area led troops to recover 408 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 1,200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and two 40mm RPG bombs along a known ISWAP/JAS withdrawal route.

In Bama LGA, troops neutralised three terrorists, seized a Dane gun, and destroyed multiple hideouts. In Kaduna, troops on escort duty recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds after engaging armed men on motorcycles in Birnin Gwari.

Elsewhere, a suspect was arrested in Edo State’s Etsako Central LGA with a pump-action rifle and cutlasses, while in Bayelsa, two suspects were nabbed with locally fabricated pistols and live ammunition.

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke operating along the Pekia–Wukari road in Benue rescued five kidnapped passengers following a gun battle that left the kidnappers fleeing. Their getaway vehicle was recovered.

Meanwhile, in Plateau State, security forces recovered a Dane gun abandoned by suspects who fled during drone-assisted patrols across several villages in Bokkos LGA.

Major General Kangye reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces to collaborating with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and secure communities nationwide.