Nigerian troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have neutralised several notorious bandit commanders and restored security along the strategic Funtua–Tsafe–Gusau highway in Zamfara State.
The Commander of Combat Team 7, Captain A.U. Usman, disclosed this on Saturday while briefing Defence Correspondents during a visit to the unit’s operational base in Tsafe.Usman said the successes were achieved in the last six months through sustained offensive operations and strategic deployment of troops to identified bandit routes and crossing points.
He revealed that troops eliminated prominent bandit leaders, including Kachalla Dan Agwal and Baban Baby, alongside their fighters dring intelligence-led operations on January 14.
He added that another notorious bandit commander, Yunusa Dogon Ahmad, and several members of his group were also neutralised during clearance operations along the highway on February 15.
According to him, the military established several tactical positions along the Funtua–Tsafe–Gusau road, especially at locations previously used by bandits to attack travellers.
The commander noted that the deployment had significantly reduced kidnapping and armed attacks on commuters, restoring confidence among motorists and residents using the route.
He said the improved security situation had also created a safer environment for farming activities across communities within the unit’s area of responsibility.
Usman disclosed that Combat Team 7 currently operates from about 13 locations, including Lilo, Mada, Wanzamai, Keta, FOB Railway, Gidan Giye, Keware and other blocking positions aimed at restricting criminal activities.
He explained that troops carry out daily patrols from these locations into surrounding communities and farmlands to protect residents and enable farmers to work without fear of attacks.
However, the commander identified improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as a major challenge facing troops, particularly along rural access roads.
He said Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams had been deployed by the theatre headquarters to clear and scan routes before troop movements, reducing the risks posed by explosive devices.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.