••• As Troops Neutralize Terrorist Kingpin, Recover Arms.
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits operating under the leadership of a notorious kingpin known as Danisuhu have imposed a massive levy totaling ₦172,700,000 on 25 villages in Tsafe West, Zamfara State, plunging the rural communities into further insecurity and economic hardship.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the levies, coupled with demands for in kind contributions like bags of soybeans, have been accompanied by threats of violence, prompting many residents to flee their homes. Several villages in the area are now deserted, leaving behind ghost settlements.
Breakdown of Levies Per Village:
The targeted villages and their respective levies include:Gijinzama: ₦8.5M, Dakolo: ₦5M + 20 bags of soybeans, Gunja: ₦7M, Kauyen Kane: ₦5M, Kurar Mota: ₦6M, Sabon Garin Bakin Gulbi: ₦2.5M, Kibari: ₦3M, Karda: ₦5M, Daga Ciki: ₦3M, Biya: ₦5M, Barebari: ₦6M, Kauyen Magaji: ₦7M, Kwaren Maisaje: ₦10M, Magazawa: ₦10M, Maciya: ₦5M, Unguwar Danhalima: ₦5M, Unguwar Rogo: ₦5M, Katanga: ₦5M, Magazu: ₦5M, Sungawa: ₦15M, Rakyabu: ₦15M, Yalwa: ₦2.7M, Tsageru: ₦5M, Gidan Anne: ₦7M, Kunchin Kalgo: ₦20M
Hundreds of residents of these villages have reportedly abandoned their homes, farmland, and livelihoods in fear of violent reprisals for failing to meet the demands.
“The situation is dire,” a local source revealed. “The inability to pay these levies often results in brutal attacks by the bandits, leaving the residents with no option but to flee.”
While security has improved along the Funtua-Tsafe axis and in Tsafe town, these gains have yet to extend to the rural villages of Tsafe West.
The people have appealed for urgent intervention of the Nigerian authorities to deploy more security personnel and establishing permanent posts in Tsafe West.
He said that urgent support of emergency relief is required for the displaced residents.
Meanwhile, Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have neutralized a notorious terrorist kingpin, Sani Rusu, and several other terrorists in separate operations in Zamfara State, the Nigerian Army said on Sunday.
Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, disclosed this in a statement made available on Monday.
According to Abdullahi, troops of 1 Brigade, Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, conducted a fighting patrol to Bamamu Village in Tsafe Local Government Area on Jan. 4, where they encountered and neutralized Rusu during an operation.
The statement added that, on the same day, troops carried out an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi LGA following credible intelligence about terrorist activities in the area.
“During the operation, several terrorists were neutralized, while others sustained fatal injuries. Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 4 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 3 magazines, and 3 motorcycles,” the statement said.
He said that the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma intensified strikes on terrorist enclaves, including those led by notorious kingpins Bello Turji and Ibrahim Chumo.
On Dec. 30, 2024, the Air Component conducted precision airstrikes on a terrorist meeting between Fakai and Kware areas in Shinkafi LGA. Intelligence revealed that Turji and his fighters had convened in the area.
“In a follow-up operation on Jan. 2, 2025, airstrikes targeted Maikaman Rini in Sububu Forest, in support of ground troops advancing on Chumo’s camp,” the statement said.
On Jan. 5, the troops launched an offensive on Turji’s camp in Chida, Shinkafi LGA, resulting in significant casualties and destruction of hideouts.
Abdullahi reiterated the commitment of Operation Fansan Yamma to neutralize terrorist threats and restore peace to the region.
“The Joint Task Force appreciates the continued support of the local communities and encourages further cooperation to achieve its mandate,” he said.
