Troops of 1 Brigade, Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have conducted a fighting operation into the camp of wanted terrorist leader, Bello Turji, as well as other terrorist hideouts in the state.
This is even as the army said yesterday Turji was now living in one hole or the other, as many of his fighters had been neutralised.
During the encounter that ensued with the terrorists, troops also neutralized a notorious terrorist kingpin, Sani Rusu, at Bamamu Village in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State.
A statement by spokesman of the Brigade, Lt. Col Abdullahi Abubakar, who disclosed news of the operation in a statement yesterday, said the operations were conducted on January 4, 2025.
He said: “On the same day, the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, during an ambush operation which was based on credible intelligence regarding terrorist activities at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State, neutralized some terrorists, while others sustained fatal injuries.
“The operation also led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and one G3 rifle, alongside 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 4 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 3 magazines and 3 motorcycles.
“In a separate operation, the Air component of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted air strikes on terrorists converging between Fakai and Kware area of Shinkafi LGA on December 30, 2024.
“This airstrike was launched in response to intelligence indicating that terrorists, led by Bello Turji, had convened a meeting in the area.
“In a follow up operation on January 2, 2025, the air component further conducted air strikes at Maikaman Rini area of Sububu Forest in support of Operation Fansan Yamma ground troops operations against terrorists kingpin, Ibrahim Chumo’s camp in the area.
“The troops also conducted offensive operations against Bello Turji’s camp in Chida area of Shinkafi on January 5, 2025.
“Aerial surveillance revealed the terrorists suffered significant casualties during these operations, with several terrorists injured and their hideouts destroyed.
“Operation Fansan Yamma remains committed to neutralizing all terrorist threats across the Joint Task Force Theatre of Operation and assures the public of its determination to maintain peace and security in the region.
“The Joint Task Force encourages continued cooperation from the community towards the achievement of its mandate.”
Turji lives like a rat in holes, we’ve killed many of his fighters — Army
Meanwhile, the army has said Bello Turji was now living in one hole or the other, as many of his fighters had been neutralised.
Spokesperson of Operation Fushin Kada, a military security in the Northwest, Lt.Col Abdullahi, who stated this in an interview yesterday, said Turji’s terrorist camps in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State were destroyed by the air component of the security outfit, while government forces would soon get the other hoodlums.
“Our fighter planes have dealt a heavy blow on the terrorist enclaves in Shinkafi Local Government Area. Many Turji’s fighters were killed. Turji now lives in holes like a rat,” he said.
Recall that Turji has threatened to unleash mayhem on the people of Shinkafi Local Government, unless his relatives arrested on terrorism charges, were freed.
Reports said Turji had launched attacks on the area and kidnapped some travellers, a development that made the military swung into action and killed many terrorists, including Sani Rusu,another bandit kingpin.
