KATSINA – Nigerian security forces eliminated 30 armed militants and destroyed multiple camps in a major counter-insurgency operation across northwest Katsina and Zamfara states, military authorities confirmed Thursday. The 48-hour offensive targeted bandit strongholds responsible for recent mass kidnappings and village raids.
Army spokesperson Major General Onyema Nwachukwu stated: “Operation Forest Sanity neutralized terrorists who attacked Kankara and Zurmi communities this week. We recovered 26 AK-47 rifles, rocket launchers, and freed 17 hostages, including women and children.”
Operation Details:
- 📍 Location: Rugu Forest (Katsina) and Dumburum Forest (Zamfara)
- ⏱️ Timeline: 36-hour aerial/ground assault ending Wednesday night
- ⚔️ Casualties: 30 gunmen killed, 4 soldiers wounded
- 🛩️ Tactics: Nigerian Air Force Mi-35 helicopters provided close air support
The offensive follows Tuesday’s ambush that killed 15 civilians in Kankara market. “This is our decisive response to lawlessness,” Katsina Governor Dikko Radda declared while visiting displaced families.
Context:
- Bandit Crisis: Over 2,500 killed in NW Nigeria in 2025 (Council on Foreign Relations)
- Economic Impact: 40% farm abandonment in Zamfara due to insecurity
- Regional Spillover: Bandit groups now collaborating with jihadists in Niger Republic
Defence Headquarters announced new forward operating bases along the Niger border to prevent escape routes. The operation marks Nigeria’s largest successful counter-banditry action since January’s elimination of notorious warlord Bello Turji’s faction.
