A Troops of the Nigerian Army, in a significant operation against terrorism, have attacked the hideout of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji in Zamfara State, killing his son and destroying key infrastructure.
The offensive, under Operation Fansan Yanma, targeted Turji’s camps in Fakai, Shinkafi Local Government Area, and dismantled his group’s logistics network, according to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, who confirmed the incident on social media.
“Among the locations hit were Zangon Dan Gwandi, Zangon Tsaika, and Zangon Kagara. A school used by Turji to store food and weapons was also destroyed to disrupt his operations,” Makama said.
Military intelligence reported that Turji’s group suffered heavy casualties, including several of his key lieutenants and possibly family members.
“We killed his son and many fighters during the operation,” a source said, adding that Turji was overheard calling for reinforcements from other bandit leaders, none of whom responded.
The Nigerian Army has intensified its campaign against Turji, whom the Military High Command has described as a “dead man walking.”
Turji has long terrorized communities across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states, leading armed groups involved in kidnappings and other violent crimes.
Major General Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, said the military’s sustained offensive aims to eradicate terrorist enclaves and bring lasting peace to the region.
“These terrorists exist to perpetuate war, and they must be destroyed for peace to prevail,” Buba said during a 2024 operations briefing.