Nigerian military forces have escalated their operations against notorious bandit leader Bello Turji in Zamfara State under the ongoing Operation Fansan Yanma.
Coordinated ground and air strikes have dismantled key hideouts in Fakai, located in Shinkafi Local Government Area, a known stronghold of Turji’s network.
According to military sources, the offensive follows a series of successful operations that destroyed multiple bandit camps in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
Among the targeted camps were Zangon Dan Gwandi, Zangon Tsaika, Zangon Kagara, and a school reportedly used by Turji as a storage facility for food and weapons.
The school was deliberately set ablaze to prevent its continued use as a supply base.
“We killed his son and many of his fighters during the operation,” an intelligence source disclosed to Zagazola Makama.
“Turji himself was heard calling for reinforcements from seven other bandit leaders, but none of them responded. One of his spies narrowly escaped during the raid.”
In addition to heavy casualties inflicted on Turji’s group, the military neutralized several of his high-ranking lieutenants and possibly family members during the strikes.
Reports by security analyst, Zagazola also indicate that four of his fighters sustained injuries in earlier confrontations, while others fled to Mangwarorin Gebe, allegedly hiding stolen livestock and valuables.
The operation, described as strategic and meticulously planned, is spearheaded by special forces with support from the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and personnel from the Navy’s Special Boat Service (SBS) under the Theatre Command.
The military has credited the recent successes to proactive intelligence sharing and early warning systems, which facilitated the evacuation of civilians from high-risk areas and minimized collateral damage.
The Nigerian Air Force has also played a significant role, executing precise airstrikes that dismantled Turji’s hideouts and severely weakened his operational capacity.
Troops from Operation Hadarin Daji and the special forces unit of Operation Fansan Yanma have reportedly positioned themselves along key escape routes to cut off Turji’s options for retreat.
Credible intelligence suggests that Turji was last sighted at Zangon Gebe, where he remains surrounded by heavily armed fighters.
Military authorities have reiterated their commitment to dismantling bandit networks in the region, describing the operation as one of the most decisive efforts to date.
