In a dramatic night‑time ambush on 25 July 2025, troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation FANSAN YAMMA inflicted a crippling blow on terror networks in Sokoto State, eliminating three of the region’s most notorious kingpins.
The operation, executed between Mallamawa and Mazau villages in the Tsamaye/Mai Lalle district, saw the targeted neutralisation of Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, and Ali Yar Daribiyar, who had been terrorising locals through kidnapping and extortion.
Recovered from the scene were three AK‑47 assault rifles with loaded magazines and a motorcycle, believed to have been used to enforce illegal “levies” on residents.
“These terrorists have long tormented our communities with killings, kidnappings and extortion. Their elimination is a major morale boost for everyone here,” a local source told security analyst Zagazola Makama.
Historical Context: A Legacy of Bloodshed
Sabon Birni LGA’s brush with violence dates back to the gruesome 2020 massacres, where coordinated attacks across multiple villages claimed at least 74 civilian lives in a single day.
The region, bordering Niger, has since been a hotspot for banditry and jihadist incursions, driven by porous borders and under-resourced security forces.
Regional Surge and Strategic Momentum
The strike comes amid a broader uptick in north‑western violence.
Earlier this month, Nigerian security forces neutralised at least 30 gunmen in a joint police–military sweep following coordinated attacks on multiple villages.
According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, the Sahel region accounted for 19 percent of global terrorist incidents, underscoring the transnational dimension of the threat.
In Nigeria’s Northwest, banditry and jihadist violence have caused more civilian deaths than Boko Haram or ISWAP in 2023, per U.S. State Department figures.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Community‑Centred Counter‑Terrorism
Launched early this year, Operation FANSAN YAMMA is a multi‑agency campaign blending kinetic raids with community intelligence gathering.
In a statement on 26 July, Media Information Officer Captain David Adewusi urged locals to:
“…continue sharing timely and credible information that can aid ongoing military operations. The Joint Task Force remains resolute in its mission to eradicate terrorism and restore lasting peace.”
The operation underscores a shift towards collaboration with vigilante groups and traditional leaders to deny terrorists sanctuary.
Local Jubilation, National Resolve
Communities in Mai Lalle, Tsamaye, Rimaye and neighbouring Goronyo LGA erupted in celebration upon news of the ambush.
Market traders and village elders alike voiced renewed confidence in security efforts.
“We can finally sleep with our doors unlocked,” one resident declared.
Yet security experts caution that sustained peace will hinge on consistent intelligence flows, border control and socioeconomic investment in this perpetually restive corridor.
The elimination of Nagomma, Gurmu and Daribiyar marks a significant tactical victory, but the broader campaign remains a marathon, not a sprint.
As Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensifies, the delicate interplay of military pressure and community engagement will prove decisive in turning the tide against terror in Nigeria’s North West.
