Troops of Operation Fansar Yan Bindiga have neutralised over 50 terrorists and also inflicted serious injuries on at least 25 others, including high-profile terror commanders loyal to Bello Turji and Sani Mai Nasara (Sani Black).
The troops achieved a breakthrough that led to the capture of Tungan Fulani Hills in the ongoing military campaign against banditry in Zamfara State.
The successful assault marked the first time in years that Nigerian troops have been able to penetrate and dominate Tungan Fulani Hills, a location that had become one of the most dangerous terrorist fortresses in the Zurmi-Shinkafi axis.
Among those killed during the operation were: Kachallah Bammuwa, Kachallah Auta, Audu Gajere, Kabiru Jangeru, Dan-Gajere (son of Audu Jabbi), and Bako Malaika, a notorious terrorist operating around Tungan Dan Musa.
Zagazola Makama reports that five previous attempts by troops to access the Tungan Fulani Hills had failed due to stiff terrorist resistance, resulting in casualties among troops and damage to military equipment.
The area gained notoriety following a deadly ambush in 2019, when Bello Turji and Sani Black’s fighters killed a Major and 16 soldiers who were en route to rotate troops stationed in Mashema village.
Checks revealed that after that incident, the military was forced to withdraw from Mashema District, leaving the region under terrorist control.
Similarly, on August 30, 2024, Turji and Sani Black’s fighters launched another devastating attack on troops at Kwashebawa village, where they burned Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and killed two soldiers.
Tungan Fulani Hills serves as a key route for arms smuggling from Niger Republic and Mali.
Investigation revealed that Turji and Sani Black had been using the hilly terrain to store weapons, plan ambushes, and conduct kidnappings along major roads.