Battle of Tsuntua

The Battle of Tsuntua, fought in December 1804, was one of the largest battles of the Fulani War.

In 1804, Yunfa of Gobir realized the growing threat that his former teacher, Fulani Islamic refomer Usman dan Fodio, posed to the Hausa city-states. Appealing to the other Hausa rulers for help, Yunfa assembled an army to capture and kill Usman. Meanwhile, Usman's followers spread word of a jihad against the Hausa rulers, attracting a number of Fulani nomads to their cause.

The forces met in December in a significant victory for the Hausa rulers. Dan Fodio's forces lost over 2,000 men, 200 of whom were said to have known the Koran by heart.

However, the Hausa victory proved to be short-lived, as Dan Fodio's forces seized Kebbi and Gwandu the following year, ensuring the survival and growth of their party.