Nigerian Army Launches ‘Operation Munzo’ to Clear Terrorist Camps in Zamfara

“Operation Munzo,” a special clearance operation aimed at terrorist camps in Zamfara, has been launched by Nigerian Army troops serving under Headquarters Operation Forest Yakin (HQOPFY).

Troops advanced through Tibuki and Sabuwar Tunga villages to the infamous Mati terrorist camps as part of the operation, which began at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bagega in the Anka Local Government Area.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama was informed by intelligence sources that the terrorists used light and support weapons, such as rocket-propelled grenades, to engage the advancing troops, but they encountered strong resistance.

Nevertheless, the troops’ superior firepower allowed them to neutralize a large number of the rebels. According to intercepts, during the intense battle, Mati, the terror kingpin who is thought to have planned multiple attacks in the region, was killed along with a number of his fighters.

After being shot in the lower ribs, a Special Boat Service (SBS) soldier was stabilized and taken to a medical facility for treatment.

Five AK-47 rifles, 12 magazines with 487 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one PKT rifle with two belts and 90 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition were among the items found at the scene.

Three Baofeng radios with chargers, police and military uniforms, and other combat equipment were also found. On the spot, three terrorist motorcycles were destroyed, and rustled cattle discovered at the camp were also removed.

During the operation, every terrorist life-support system in the Mati camp was totally destroyed by fire. But a combat support vehicle’s two tires were damaged, and a lower arm of another vehicle was broken.

Separately, at approximately 9:15 a.m., logistics vehicles making their way from FOB Bagega to FOB Dan Gulbi were ambushed close to a bridge.

The attack was quickly repulsed by the troops. Although the attackers’ side has not confirmed the number of casualties, one soldier was hurt and is said to be in stable condition.

“Operation Munzo” is expected to continue in the coming days as troops intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist enclaves across Zamfara’s forested zones.