Nigerian military forces eliminated bandit leader Bello Turji's son and several combatants in a raid under "Operation Fansan Yamma." The operation, targeting terrorist hideouts, saw the rescue of hostages and the destruction of logistics hubs. Turji fled, leaving his son and fighters behind, prompting the military to label him a coward.
The Nigerian military has revealed details of a recent operation that dealt a significant blow to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji. The offensive, codenamed Operation Fansan Yamma, targeted Turji’s hideouts across the Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa, and Chindo axes in Zamfara State.
According to military sources, the operation resulted in the death of Turji’s son, numerous terrorists loyal to him, and the destruction of their logistics base. The military described Turji’s actions during the assault as cowardly, accusing him of abandoning his son and combatants in the heat of battle.
Major General Edward Buba, outgoing Director of Media Operations for the Defence Headquarters, detailed the operation’s success. “The coordinated efforts of ground troops and the air component inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists,” he stated. “Several kidnapped victims were rescued, and critical terrorist infrastructure was dismantled.”
In a related operation, troops neutralized three other terrorists and apprehended three suspected collaborators in Zango-Kagara Forest, targeting the camp of another bandit leader, Idi Mallam. Weapons, ammunition, and dozens of rustled livestock were also recovered.
The military vowed to sustain its offensive against terrorist networks, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigerians. Despite Turji’s long history of terror in the northwest, officials remain optimistic about dismantling his operations.
The success of the recent operations has been met with widespread commendation, though the escape of Turji himself underscores the challenges in capturing high-profile bandits.
