Bandit Leader Bello Turji is reportedly on the run and his son has been killed amid a sustained military offensive targeting his camp.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, is reportedly on the run following a sustained military offensive targeting his camp in Fakai, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
A counterinsurgency reporter, @Zagazola, disclosed that troops under Operation Fansan Yanma launched a combined ground and air assault, dismantling Turji’s key hideouts in Fakai.
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The offensive follows a series of successful operations in Zamfara’s Sabon Birni Local Government Area, where multiple bandit camps, including Zangon Dan Gwandi, Zangon Tsaika, and Zangon Kagara, were destroyed.
“Among the camps targeted were Zangon Dan Gwandi, Zangon Tsaika, Zangon Kagara, and a school reportedly used by Turji to store foodstuffs and weapons. The military burned the school to prevent it from serving as a supply base for Turji’s network.
“Intelligence sources comfirmed to Zagazola Makama that Turji’s group has suffered significant losses. ‘We killed his son and many of his fighters during the operation. I also listened to Turji’s panicked voice calling for reinforcements from seven other bandit leaders. None of them showed up, and one of his spies narrowly escaped from us today,’ the sources said.
“A considerable number of Turji’s associates, including high-profile lieutenants and possibly family members, were neutralized during the targeted strikes.
“Further reports reveal that four of Turji’s fighters were injured in previous encounters, while others have retreated to Mangwarorin Gebe, allegedly hiding stolen livestock and valuables.
“The operation, described as strategic and carefully planned, is primarily led by special forces with support from the General Officer Commanding (GOC). The special forces are supplemented by personnel from the Navy’s Special Boat Service (SBS), provided by the Theatre Command.
“‘This operation is one of the most decisive efforts in recent times. Our forces are committed to ending the impunity of notorious bandits. This is a sustained campaign to dismantle these networks completely, sources said’,”
