Nigerian Troops Target Notorious Terrorist Leader, Bello Turji in Recent Operations
Troops from the 1 Brigade, part of the Joint Task Force North West, have executed a series of operations against wanted terrorist leader Bello Turji and his associates in Zamfara State as part of Operation Fansan Yamma. According to a statement released by Brigade spokesperson, Lt. Col. Abdullahi Abubakar, these operations took place on January 4, 2025, and aimed to dismantle Turji’s network following the neutralization of many of his fighters.
The operations reportedly commenced with ground troops engaging in a skirmish within Turji’s camp, leading to the elimination of Sani Rusu, a notorious figure in the terrorist underworld, in Bamamu Village of the Tsafe Local Government Area. Lt. Col. Abubakar detailed that during an ambush operation based on credible intelligence about terrorist activity at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi Local Government Area, troops engaged with terrorists, resulting in some neutralized and others sustaining severe injuries. The troops also confiscated an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle, multiple ammunition rounds, along with three motorcycles.
In a significant aerial response, the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted airstrikes on December 30, 2024, targeting a terrorist assembly in the Fakai and Kware region. This operation was said to be a direct result of intelligence reports that indicated Bello Turji was gathering his forces in the area. A subsequent airstrike took place on January 2, 2025, in the Maikaman Rini area of Sububu Forest, focusing on the camp of an additional terrorist leader, Ibrahim Chumo.
Further offensive operations against Turji’s stronghold in the Chida region of Shinkafi were carried out on January 5, 2025. The military’s aerial reconnaissance revealed considerable damage to terrorist factions, with many personnel reportedly incapacitated and their facilities destroyed throughout the campaigns.
The Joint Task Force has reiterated its commitment to eradicating terrorist threats within its operational theater, assuring the public of continued efforts to restore peace and safety in the region. Local communities are encouraged to collaborate with the Task Force to support its mission.
Highlighting the pressure now surrounding Turji, military officials have noted that he is living in extreme conditions: “Turji now lives in holes like a rat,” Lt. Col. Abdullahi stated, emphasizing the diminishing state of his operations. Turji had reportedly threatened to instigate violence in the Shinkafi area unless certain relatives detained on terrorism charges were released. Following a series of assaults by Turji and his faction—including kidnappings and attacks on travelers—the military’s decisive actions aim to restore order in the locality.
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