Following a period of recruiting in Futa Toro during 1858 and 1859, he turned his attention to the Bamana Empire, whose capital Segou was lauded as the 'city of Paganism' by his forces.

[4] Following the capture of Segou by Umarian forces, the Faama (ruler) of Bamana, Bina Ali, would take the unprecedented step of swearing allegiance to the Massina Empire.

Prior to the Umarian invasion, the two states were long-time enemies, with the ruler of Massina Amadu III leading yearly attacks into Bamana territory.

[6] To attack this fellow Islamic state of Massina required novel theological arguments on Omar's end, which he duly delivered in 1861 in a work known as the Bayan.

Tales of heroism emerged on both sides, with Amadu III leading the battle on the Massina western flank and Batu, a prominent Umarian soldier, fighting until he collapsed from eighteen spear wounds.

[11][10] Amadu III would fight multiple additional battles against Umarian forces following his flight, but would find no fortune as he suffered continuous defeats.