In a decisive blow to terrorist networks, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, under the Fansan Yamma offensive, have neutralized notorious terrorist kingpins, including Kachalla Na Faransa, Dogon Bakkwalo, Auta Gobaje, and Dan Mai Dutsi, in a series of high-intensity military operations across Zamfara and Sokoto states.
The large-scale offensives, conducted between February 1 and 10, successfully dismantled over 40 terrorist hideouts in Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Zamfara State and Isa LGA in Sokoto State. The relentless military pressure has significantly weakened the operational capacity of these terror groups, restoring a sense of security to local communities.
Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Fansan Yamma, described the offensive as a game-changer in the fight against terrorism in the region.
> “The operations led to the elimination of high-profile terrorist leaders and their foot soldiers. Troops also seized a significant cache of arms and ammunition, preventing further attacks on innocent civilians. Additionally, dozens of kidnapped victims were rescued, bringing relief to families long tormented by these criminal elements,” Abdullahi stated.
With the successful elimination of these kingpins, security forces are now intensifying efforts to track and apprehend Bello Turji and other fugitive terrorists. The military has urged members of the public to provide credible intelligence, assuring that all information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Meanwhile, at a separate event in Abuja, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), reiterated that violent extremism remains one of Nigeria’s most complex security threats.
Speaking at the opening of a high-level workshop on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), Laka emphasized the federal government’s commitment to a whole-of-society approach in combating radicalization and terrorism.
> “A policy’s effectiveness lies in its implementation, which is why we are gathered here today—to take deliberate and strategic steps toward localizing and operationalizing this framework,” he noted.
Over the two-day workshop, security experts and stakeholders will focus on integrating the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PF-NAP for PCVE) into governance structures at federal, state, and local levels.
Laka further disclosed that discussions would assess existing gaps, challenges, and opportunities to institutionalize PCVE efforts across different sectors.
> “A key part of this process is the validation of the Strategic Communication Plan, recognizing that effective messaging is crucial in countering extremist narratives and fostering meaningful community engagement,” he added.
As Nigeria intensifies its counter-terrorism efforts, the recent military victories in Zamfara and Sokoto serve as a testament to the armed forces’ resilience in eradicating insurgency and restoring lasting peace.
PIONEER NEWS 