The Nigerian Army (NA) has intensified its offensive against banditry, killing a son of Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, during a series of ground and air strikes on his strongholds in Zamfara State.
Operation Fansan Yanma: Decimating Bandit Networks
The operation, led by the officers of Operation Fansan Yanma, dismantled several hideouts in Fakai, a long-established hub for Turji and his associates in Shinkafi Local Government Area. According to the counter-insurgency platform Zagazola Makama, the strikes were a combination of precision air raids and coordinated ground assaults.
Key camps destroyed included:
- Zangon Dan Gwandi
- Zangon Tsaika
- Zangon Kagara
- A school previously used by Turji’s network as a storage site for food and weapons, which was deliberately burned to prevent future use.
Turji’s Network Crumbles
Intelligence sources revealed that Turji lost family members, including his son, and several senior lieutenants during the operation. His desperation was evident as he was reportedly heard over the radio calling for reinforcements from seven other bandit leaders, none of whom responded.
“We killed his son and many of his fighters during the operation. Turji’s spy narrowly escaped today, and his panic was clear as he called for reinforcements that never came,” said an intelligence source.
Turji himself was last seen at Zangon Gebe, heavily guarded by armed fighters. The military has described him as a “dead man walking,” pledging to eliminate him and end his terror operations across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger States.
Government Confidence in Military Efforts
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, expressed confidence in the military’s ability to neutralize Turji, describing his days as “numbered.” Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the governor stated, “I believe Bello Turji is a matter of time. His days are numbered because I see the commitment from the Armed Forces to take him out.”
Tragic Airstrike Incident
Governor Lawal also addressed a recent military airstrike in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area, which tragically resulted in unintended civilian casualties. He clarified that the incident occurred during a response to distress calls about bandit attacks on local communities.
“While the first airstrike successfully neutralized many bandits, a subsequent operation mistakenly hit community rescue groups, causing unintended casualties. It was not intentional but a result of the complexities of such operations,” Lawal explained.
The governor extended his condolences to affected families, dispatched a delegation led by his deputy for an on-the-spot assessment, and assured the public of the military’s continued efforts to minimize collateral damage.
Moving Forward
The Nigerian Armed Forces remain resolute in dismantling bandit operations in the region, demonstrating their commitment through enhanced coordination, intelligence, and precision strikes. Governor Lawal and military authorities have reassured citizens of their dedication to restoring peace and stability in Zamfara and beyond.