The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, a coward whose end is near after troops of Operation Fansan Yamma raided his hideouts, killing his son and several of his fighters during clearance operations in Zamfara State.
In a statement issued by Major-General Edward Buba, the DHQ’s Director of Media Operations, the military highlighted Turji’s desperation as he flees from one location to another, seeking assistance from other bandit commanders.
“On January 17, 2025, a coordinated operation between troops of Operation Fansan Yamma as well as the air component conducted clearance operations along the Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa, and Chindo axis,” Buba stated.
“The operations killed scores of terrorists, including notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji’s son, on Fakai high ground, where the terrorists were hiding. The intensity of troops’ firepower resulted in high terrorist casualties and their logistics hub destroyed.”
The statement also noted that Turji abandoned his son and fighters during the military raid, describing his actions as cowardly.
“The terrorist leader, Bello Turji, in a gross cowardly act, escaped, abandoning his son and combatants. I want to remind him that his days are numbered,” Buba declared.
The operation also led to the rescue of kidnapped hostages held by Turji and the destruction of his camps in multiple locations, including Shinkafi, Kagara, and Chindo.
In a related operation, troops dismantled another terrorist camp led by Idi Mallam along the Zango Kagara Forest, neutralizing three terrorists and arresting three suspected collaborators.
Recovered items included:
- Two machine guns
- One AK47 rifle with a magazine containing 11 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition
- 61 rustled cattle
- 44 sheep
The DHQ reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens nationwide, vowing to sustain the offensive against terrorists.
“Troops are sustaining the onslaught against the terrorist. Overall, troops continue to demonstrate commitment to the safety and protection of all citizens nationwide,” the statement concluded.
