Major Breakthroughs In Operation FANSAN YAMMA As Maj. Gen. Idris Details Gains Against Banditry

The Theater Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Warrah Bello Idris, has announced significant operational breakthroughs in the fight against banditry and terrorism across Northwest Nigeria.
​Speaking during a comprehensive briefing for the Defence Headquarters Media Team, Maj. Gen. Idris detailed the theater’s evolving strategy, which now focuses on Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi States following a recent administrative restructuring.
​Strategic Restructuring and New Commands
​To enhance operational efficiency, the Commander revealed that Niger and Kwara States have been carved out of Operation Fansan Yamma. These areas now fall under the mandate of the newly formed Joint Task Force North Central, Operation Savannah Shield.
​The current OPFY structure remains divided into sectors and sub-sectors, with a heightened focus on preventing the infiltration of “Black Kurama” terrorists and other foreign elements across the borders of Niger and Benin Republic.
​Degrading the ‘Lakurawa’ Threat
​A major highlight of the briefing was the offensive against the Lakurawa terrorist group. On January 11, 2025, a joint force comprising the DHQ Special Operations Brigade, the Nigerian Police, and the NSCDC stormed the group’s stronghold in Tafkin Kichura Forest, Gudu LGA.
​”These operations degraded the terrorists and displaced them from their stronghold,” Maj. Gen. Idris stated. “Several terrorists were neutralized, and we recovered AK-47 rifles, various calibers of ammunition, and 16mm mortar bombs.”
​Securing the “Superhighways” and Rail Lines
​Addressing the persistent threat of highway kidnappings, the Commander noted the success of Operation Secure Main Supply Routes. By deploying combat enablers at notorious “flashpoints” and bad road spots, troops have maintained the flow of traffic on the Zaria-Funtua and Gusau-Sokoto axes.
​Furthermore, Sector 1 has maintained a hitch-free security corridor for the Kaduna-Abuja Railway, with no adverse incidents reported during the period under review.
​Countering “Illegal Levies” and Farming Interference
​Maj. Gen. Idris exposed a desperate tactic used by terrorists: the imposition of illegal levies on remote communities as “compensation” for losses the criminals suffered during encounters with the military.
​To counter this and ensure food security, the military organized farmers into protected groups.
​Farm Patrols: Troops conducted active security details during planting and harvest seasons.
​Protection: These patrols prevented terrorists from denying locals access to their lands in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto.
​Non-Kinetic Successes and Rescues
​The Theater Commander emphasized that the war is not being won by bullets alone. Through “non-kinetic” engagement—community soul-winning and dialogue—several terrorists have surrendered their weapons, and numerous captives have been released.
​The brief also touched upon the successful rescue of students from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State, highlighting the military’s synergy with local vigilantes and Community Protection Guards who serve as the first line of defense.
​Projections for the Future
​Looking ahead, Maj. Gen. Idris assured that the Joint Task Force would sustain its offensive posture.