Troops neutralise terrorist kingpin in Zamfara, recover arms

• Air component intensifies strikes on terrorist enclaves

By Molly Kilete, Abuja, and Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto

Troops of 1 Brigade, Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation Hadarin Daji, have neutralised a notorious terrorist kingpin, Sani Rusu, in Zamfara State.

Sani Rusu was killed by soldiers during a fighting patrol to Bamamu Village in Tsafe LGA on 4 January 2025. This was disclosed in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Centre, Operation Hadarin Daji.

The operation, based on credible intelligence about terrorist activities at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi LGA, resulted in the ambush and neutralisation of several terrorists, with others sustaining severe injuries. Recovered from the operation were 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 separate operation, the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted airstrikes on 30 December 2024, targeting terrorists converging between Fakai and Kware areas of Shinkafi LGA. Intelligence indicated the presence of terrorists led by Bello Turji. Follow-up airstrikes were carried out on 2 January 2025 at Maikaman Rini in Sububu Forest, targeting the camp of another terrorist kingpin, Ibrahim Chumo. Additional airstrikes on 5 January 2025 targeted Bello Turji’s camp in the Chida area of Shinkafi.

Aerial surveillance confirmed significant casualties among the terrorists, with their hideouts destroyed.

“Operation Hadarin Daji remains committed to neutralising terrorist threats and assures the public of its dedication to maintaining peace and security in the region,” the statement read.

The Joint Task Force also called for continued cooperation from the community to achieve lasting security.