Troops target Dogo Gide, three other terrorist leaders in Zamfara offensive

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By Idris Salisu, Gusau

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Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have launched a major offensive against four suspected terrorist kingpins—Dogo Gide, Najaja, Nasanda and Buba Oris—in Zamfara State, disrupting what military sources described as a planned mass movement of armed fighters and killing several suspected terrorists.

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Military sources said the operation followed credible intelligence received on July 25 indicating that a large number of armed fighters had assembled along the Barayarzaki Riverline in Anka Local Government Area under the command of the four leaders.

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According to the sources, the group was allegedly preparing coordinated attacks in parts of Zamfara State and neighbouring states.

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Acting on the intelligence, troops conducted precision air strikes on suspected terrorist positions at Barayan Zaki and strategic crossing points along the Barayarzaki Riverline.

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Simultaneously, personnel of the 8 Division Strike Force deployed ambush teams before launching follow-up ground operations to intercept fleeing fighters.

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The military said the coordinated assault disrupted the movement of the armed groups, forcing them to retreat toward Barayan Zaki while attempting to cross the Gummi–Anka Main Supply Route.

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According to the sources, troops pursued the fleeing suspects, leading to a gun battle at Kombo High Ground along the Anka–Gummi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

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The sources said several suspected terrorists were killed during the exchange, while others fled into nearby forests.

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One soldier reportedly sustained injuries during the operation and was evacuated to the General Hospital in Anka for treatment. The military said no equipment was lost during the operation.

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During follow-up clearance operations on July 26, troops reportedly recovered 13 rounds of PKT machine gun ammunition and one machine gun round while continuing patrols to prevent the armed groups from regrouping.

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Military sources said Operation FANSAN YAMMA has continued to intensify intelligence-driven air and ground operations across the North-West to dismantle terrorist networks, restrict the movement of bandit leaders and prevent attacks on communities and security formations.

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The sources added that the latest offensive represents a significant operational setback for some of the region’s most wanted terrorist leaders as security forces sustain pressure to improve security across Zamfara and neighbouring states.

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