In a major tactical victory against terrorism in northwestern Nigeria, the Nigerian Armed Forces have launched Operation Munzo, a targeted military campaign in Zamfara State that led to the elimination of notorious bandit kingpin Mati and dozens of his fighters.
The high-impact clearance operation, coordinated by Headquarters Operation Forest Yakin (HQOPFY), began from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area. Troops advanced through Tibuki and Sabuwar Tunga, engaging heavily fortified terrorist hideouts in the deep forest.
According to security sources who spoke to Zagazola Makama, the insurgents offered fierce resistance, unleashing volleys of firepower including rocket-propelled grenades and other support weapons. The troops responded with superior firepower, successfully neutralizing a significant number of combatants in a fierce exchange.
Top among those killed was Mati, a dreaded kingpin linked to a wave of deadly attacks and mass abductions across the region. His death is considered a critical breakthrough in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the North West.
Weapons Recovered, Camps Destroyed
Troops recovered a cache of weapons and tactical gear from the operation, including:
1 PKT rifle with 90 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
5 AK-47 rifles
12 magazines with 487 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
3 Baofeng radios with chargers
Military and police uniforms
Multiple motorcycles
Security forces also discovered and destroyed rustled livestock and key terrorist infrastructure, including the insurgents’ logistics and life-support structures. At least three motorcycles were set ablaze, and the entire camp was razed.
Despite the intensity of the operation, military casualties were minimal. Only two vehicles sustained minor damage, while one Special Boat Service (SBS) operative was wounded but has since been stabilized.
Ambush Repelled En Route to FOB Dan Gulbi
In a related incident, troops repelled an ambush on military logistics vehicles traveling from FOB Bagega to FOB Dan Gulbi near a bridge at around 9:15 a.m. One soldier was injured during the engagement but is currently recovering.
Part of a Renewed Strategy
“Operation Munzo” represents a renewed and aggressive strategy by the Nigerian military to flush out terrorists from ungoverned forested areas in Zamfara and restore lasting peace to the region.
The success of the operation is expected to significantly weaken the operational capability of insurgents in the area and boost the morale of security forces working to reclaim control of Nigeria’s most volatile zones.
