Nigerian military escalates offensive against Zamfara bandits

The Nigerian military has intensified its offensive against bandits in Zamfara State, expanding operations beyond the Zurmi/Shinkafi axis into the Anka/Bagega corridor under Operation FANSAN YANMA.

This strategic push aims to prevent fleeing bandits from regrouping and reestablishing their strongholds.

Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama reports that the sustained campaign has kept troops deep within forested areas for over 17 days.

Consequently, this prolonged presence has disrupted the logistics and supply chains of criminal networks, leaving them in disarray.

Intelligence reports reveal that bandits initially underestimated the military’s commitment, assuming the operation would be brief.

However, relentless pursuit has left many bandits starving and desperate.

Some have resorted to sneaking into villages at night to beg for food, while others have stolen meals directly from cooking pots before retreating into the forests.

The Nigerian Army’s strategy of cutting off access to critical supplies like arms, fuel, food, and water has significantly weakened bandit group cohesion.

The 1 Brigade of the Army has conducted aggressive clearance operations within the Shinkafi forests, ensuring no safe havens remain for criminals.

This shift in operational tactics marks a departure from previous counter-banditry missions, which often involved short-term sweeps through affected areas.

In contrast, the current offensive aims to exhaust bandits, forcing them to either surrender or face total annihilation.

For years, communities in Zamfara and surrounding states have endured terror from these criminal gangs.

Residents have faced forced labor on farms, only to have their harvests confiscated under duress. Reports of kidnappings, forced marriages, extrajudicial killings, and systematic sexual violence have been widespread.

The ongoing military operation has brought renewed hope to beleaguered communities.

Villagers are gradually regaining confidence in the government’s ability to protect them and have begun providing actionable intelligence on bandit hideouts.

This collaboration has enabled more precise strikes against criminals, further dismantling their networks.

Troops on the ground express determination to see the mission through. Soldiers reference past attacks on military camps and the killing of fellow soldiers as motivation for their unyielding stance.

“For us, this mission is personal,” stated one soldier.

“This is not just an operation; it is payback.

They will either surrender unconditionally or face the consequences. We are here to ensure that these criminals never recover from this onslaught.”

The campaign has significantly boosted morale among residents in Zamfara and Sokoto states. Consequently, they are beginning to witness tangible results from military efforts.

The Nigerian Armed Forces convey a clear message: bandits will find no safe haven, and their reign of terror will not return. Thus, peace will be restored in these communities.

As the operation progresses, security analysts believe that maintaining this pressure could serve as a model for addressing similar insurgencies across Nigeria.

For now, the Nigerian military stands firm in its mission. Ultimately, they aim to bring lasting peace to Zamfara State and its neighboring regions.

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