Troops of 1 Brigade, Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma have neutralised a notorious wanted terrorist kingpin, Sani Rusu in Zamfara state.

Sani Rusu is a terrorist responsible for numerous attacks in the eastern part of Tsafe Local Government Area of  Zamfara State.

Rusu’s death was made known in a statement by the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi on Monday.

He said the feat was achieved over the weekend when the troops conducted a fighting patrol to Bamamu Village in Tsafe Local Government Area.

On the same day, the troops during an ambush operation at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State, neutralised some terrorists and injured many.

The operation led to the recovery of one AK47 rifle and one G3 rifle, alongside 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 4 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 3 magazines and 3 motorcycles.

In a separate operation, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma bombed terrorists converging between Fakai and Kware in Shinkafi LGA on 30 December 2024.

The airstrike was launched in response to intelligence indicating that terrorists, led by Bello Turji, had convened a meeting in the area.

In a follow-up operation on 2 January 2025, the Air Component further conducted air strikes at the Maikaman Rini area of Sububu Forest in support of Operation Fansan Yamma ground troops’ operation against another terrorist kingpin, Ibrahim Chumo’s camp.

The troops also conducted offensive operations against Bello Turji’s camp in the Chida area of Shinkafi on 5 January 2025.

Aerial surveillance revealed that the terrorists suffered significant casualties during these operations with several injured and their hideouts destroyed.

Operation Fansan Yamma said it remained committed to neutralising all terrorist threats across the Joint Task Force Theatre of Operation, and assured the public of its determination to maintain peace and security in the region.

The Joint Task Force also encouraged continued cooperation from the community towards the achievement of its mandate.