The Nigerian military has eliminated more than 100 terrorists in a large-scale operation at Makakkari Forest, Bukuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The early Sunday assault, part of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), combined precision airstrikes with a coordinated ground offensive, leaving the bandits’ stronghold destroyed and dozens of their motorcycles reduced to ashes.
Intelligence reports had tracked suspicious movements for weeks across Sunke, Kirsa, and Barukushe—areas notorious for harbouring armed groups. According to sources, over 400 fighters, led by some of the region’s most feared kingpins, had massed in the forest to plan an attack on Nasarawan Burkullu, seeking revenge after a recent defeat by security forces.
“They thought they could regroup, rearm, and launch another wave of terror,” a source said. “Instead, they walked straight into a well-laid trap.”
Reconnaissance drones pinpointed the terrorists’ positions before Air Force jets struck, killing dozens instantly. Survivors who tried to flee were intercepted by ground troops in separate locations, with several notorious leaders among the dead.
In a related development, residents of Adafka village—one of the targeted farming communities—were seen staging a protest by lying on the tires of security pickup trucks and holding green leaves, a traditional sign of peaceful resistance. Witnesses said the vehicles, loaded with residents’ belongings, were ready to leave the community as fears of further attacks linger.
