By Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Combat Team 7 under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Capt. A.U. Usman, has disclosed that troops have recorded significant operational successes over the past six months, including the elimination of several notorious bandit kingpins and the restoration of security along the strategic Funtua–Tsafe–Gusau highway.
Speaking on Saturday during a visit by Defense Correspondents at the unit’s operational base in Tsafe, Zamfara State, the commander said sustained offensive operations and strategic deployment of troops at identified bandit crossing points had drastically reduced attacks on commuters and boosted public confidence.
“During the period under review, Combat Team 7 has recorded some significant successes,” Usman said.
He revealed that on Jan. 14, troops neutralised notorious bandit commanders, including Kachalla Dan Agwal and Baban Baby, alongside several of their fighters during intelligence-led operations.
“Combat Team 7 was able to neutralise the likes of Kachalla Dan Agwal, Baban Baby and many others. These successes came through carefully planned operations and the deployment of our troops to strategic locations,” he said.
According to the commander, the unit established numerous pickets along the Funtua–Tsafe–Gusau road, particularly at known bandit crossing points frequently used to ambush travellers.
“If you are driving along the Katsina–Funtua–Tsafe–Gusau road today, you will notice several military pickets. Those soldiers are strategically deployed at identified bandit crossing routes,” he explained.
He noted that the deployment had significantly curtailed the activities of armed groups that previously terrorised motorists through kidnappings and violent attacks.
“These bandits were the ones repeatedly disturbing this road. Before now, commuters could not move freely the way they do today. They stopped vehicles, abducted passengers and created fear among the people,” he said.
“Today, because of the strategic deployment of troops and the equipment made available to us, civilians are moving freely without fear. The picketing has restored confidence among road users.”
Capt. Usman further disclosed that another major breakthrough was recorded on Feb. 15 when troops neutralised additional notorious bandits, including Yunusa Dogon Ahmad, during sustained clearance operations along the same corridor.
“On Feb. 15, we were able to neutralise Yunusa Dogon Ahmad and some other key bandits who had been terrorising this route,” he said.
Beyond securing highways, the commander said the military had also created a safer environment for farming activities across communities within its Area of Responsibility (AOR).
According to him, Combat Team 7 currently operates from about 13 operational locations, including Lilo, Mada, Wanzamai, Keta, FOB Railway, Gidan Giye, Keware and several blocking positions established to deny criminals freedom of movement.
“Our troops conduct daily foot patrols from these locations into surrounding farmlands and communities to ensure that farmers carry out their activities without interference from criminal elements,” he said.
“The same pattern is replicated across our entire Area of Responsibility. Whether in Mada, Wanzamai or other locations, our troops are constantly patrolling to provide security for farmers.”
The commander acknowledged that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) remained one of the challenges confronting troops during operations, especially on rural access routes.
“There are places where movement is still affected because of the threat of IEDs,” he said.
“However, with support from the theatre headquarters, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams have now been deployed, and we no longer move on roads without conducting proper scanning to detect possible IED threats.”
On civil-military relations, Capt. Usman described cooperation from residents as encouraging but said more support was needed to deny criminals access to information.
“The locals are cooperating to some extent, but there is still room for improvement,” he said.
“Without informants, terrorists cannot operate effectively. Unfortunately, there are still a few bad elements within some communities who pass information about our movements and activities to the criminals.”
Despite the challenge, he commended the majority of residents for their support and expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between security forces and communities would further weaken the activities of bandits across the region.
The commander reaffirmed the commitment of Combat Team 7 and Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustaining offensive operations and ensuring that communities, farmers and travellers continue to enjoy improved security across Zamfara and adjoining areas.
