Troops of Operation Fansan Yanma under the Tsaftadaji III – Phase 2 have neutralised 44 terrorists and injured over 25 others in a coordinated assault across multiple fronts in Zamfara State.
The operation, which commenced on February 7, 2025, involved a three pronged attack targeting terrorists’ strongholds in Mashema general area, a notorious hub for armed bandits and insurgents.
The offensive was led by troops of 1 Brigade Special Forces with close support from the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yanma (OPFY).
According to Zagazola Makama, the offensive began at 0800 hours, with Team 1 advancing through several terrorist enclaves, clearing out fortified positions at Kashabawa, Bwarare, and Zaki before reaching Sakarawa Hill.
It said: “Upon arrival, troops encountered stiff resistance from terrorists who had established defensive positions on the hill.
“Intelligence intercepts revealed that the insurgents had planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the advance route.
“In response, troops executed a flanking maneuver to avoid the traps while engaging the enemy.
“A decisive ground and air assault were launched from the Air Component of OPFY striking terrorist positions. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the insurgents.”
However, despite successfully eliminating several terrorists, troops were unable to fully exploit the high ground due to heavy mining at the foot of the hill.
The Aggressor aircraft returned for a second aerial bombardment, targeting insurgents and neutralising several of them.