Leadnaija
The sustained military offensive aimed at eliminating bandit strongholds in Zamfara State, by the Nigerian troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have expanded their beyond the Zurmi/Shinkafi axis, pushing into the Anka/Bagega corridor to prevent fleeing terrorists from regrouping....TAP HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY..>>
Zagazola Makama the Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region report that the operation, which has seen troops remain deep inside the forests for over 17 days, has severely disrupted the logistics and life support systems of the criminal elements.
Intelligence gathered from the camp of the bandits among indicated that they initially believed the military’s presence would be short-lived. However, the relentless pursuit by the troops has left them starving and in disarray.
According to intelligence sources, many bandits are now too weak to launch attacks, resorting instead to sneaking into villages at odd hours to beg for food. More violent elements have been seen stealing meals directly from cooking pots before disappearing back into the forest.
The prolonged pressure has left them questioning whether they are truly facing Nigerian Army troops, as past operations were typically brief and lacked sustained intensity.
The strategic positioning of the troops, particularly in cutting off access to arms, fuel, food, water, and other supplies, has shattered the cohesion of the bandit networks.
The Nigerian Army’s 1 Brigade has been conducting aggressive clearance operations within the Shinkafi forests, further denying the criminals any safe haven.
This sustained pressure marks a significant shift in counter-banditry operations in the Northwest. Unlike previous missions that were characterized by brief sweeps through the forests, this offensive is designed to completely wear out the adversaries and force them into surrender or total extermination.
Beyond neutralizing the bandits, the military campaign has renewed hope among residents who had long lived under the terror of criminal gangs.
For years, bandits have subjugated, oppressed, and dehumanized communities, forcing them to work on farms only to surrender their harvests under duress. Reports of forced marriages, kidnappings, extrajudicial killings, and systematic sexual violence had become common.
With the ongoing military operation, villagers are gradually regaining confidence in the government’s ability to protect them. Residents in Zamfara and Sokoto have begun providing useful intelligence on bandit hideouts, leading to more precise strikes against the criminals.
The troops in the frontline said “ For the troops on the ground, this mission is not just about national security it is personal. The burning of an armored vehicle in Kwashebawa, previous attacks on military camps, and the killing of soldiers have only fueled their resolve.
“This is not just an operation it is payback. They will either surrender unconditionally or face the consequences,” the troops stated. “We are here to take our pound of flesh and ensure that these criminals never recover from this onslaught.”
For the bandits in Zamfara, the message is clear: there will be no safe haven, no breathing space, and no return to their reign of terror. The Nigerian military is here to stay, peace must be restored whether they like it or not,” said the troops.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
