In a major blow to banditry in Northwest Nigeria, the 8 Division Garrison Strike Force has dismantled several terror enclaves within the notorious Sububu Forests.
The offensive, conducted under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, resulted in the death of six terrorists and the successful rescue of a kidnapped minor.
The operation, which spanned several volatile villages in the Maradun Local Government Area, is part of a renewed push to flush out criminal elements and restore stability to Zamfara State.
The mission began with a high-stakes encounter at Indulumu village, where troops engaged terrorists in a direct firefight. Military officials confirmed that two insurgents were neutralised during the initial clash, and an AK-47 rifle was recovered from the scene.
Refusing to slow the momentum, the Strike Force pushed deeper into the rugged terrain toward Ruduno village.
“In a display of exceptional bravery and tactical prowess, the troops neutralised an additional four terrorists, effectively dismantling a key element of the terrorist network,” stated Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer for Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
In Ruduno, the army seized another AK-47 rifle along with a magazine loaded with 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. To further cripple the group’s logistics, troops destroyed two motorcycles used by the bandits for rapid movements and raids.
Beyond the tactical gains, the operation achieved a significant humanitarian victory. While combing the dense forest, soldiers discovered and rescued Halira Ibrahim, an underage girl who had been held captive by the bandits.
Captain Adewusi emphasised that the rescue remains a core priority of the mission, noting that the success brings an end to her ordeal and offers a beacon of hope to the affected community while underscoring the military’s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens.
To ensure the insurgents cannot easily regroup, the Strike Force systematically razed multiple camps and life support structures across the regions of Magaji, Galakaje, Filinga, and Kukatara.
By destroying these safe havens, the military has significantly disrupted the terrorists’ ability to sustain long-term operations. These actions deny the criminals the logistics support needed to continue their campaign of terror in the Maradun axis.
As of late January 2026, the area remains under close surveillance as the military continues to exploit the forest for the remaining remnants of the gang.
