The Nigerian Army’s 1 Brigade, part of the Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, launched a decisive offensive against the camp of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji and other militant hideouts in Zamfara State.
The operation, which took place on January 4, 2025, resulted in significant casualties for the terrorist group, including the neutralization of Sani Rusu, a notorious bandit kingpin, in Bamamu Village, Tsafe Local Government Area.
In the aftermath of the ambush operation, which was carried out based on credible intelligence, military personnel recovered a substantial cache of weapons and equipment. The seizure included an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, three magazines, and three motorcycles.
On the same day, in another operation at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi Local Government Area (LGA), troops ambushed and neutralized additional terrorists, with several others suffering fatal injuries. These successes follow the extensive airstrikes conducted by the military’s air component in late December 2024, specifically targeting Turji’s forces. On December 30, 2024, military aircraft bombed terrorist meetings in the Fakai and Kware areas of Shinkafi LGA, where Turji and his group had convened.
A follow-up operation on January 2, 2025, saw airstrikes targeting another high-ranking terrorist leader, Ibrahim Chumo, at his camp in Maikaman Rini, located in Sububu Forest. The Army also carried out ground assaults against Turji’s camp in Chida, Shinkafi, on January 5, 2025, where aerial surveillance indicated significant casualties and the destruction of hideouts.
Lt. Col. Abdullahi Abubakar, the spokesperson for the 1 Brigade, assured the public that Operation Fansan Yamma remains dedicated to neutralizing terrorist threats across the region. He stressed the Army’s determination to restore peace and security while calling on local communities to continue cooperating with the military in these efforts.
The operations have taken a personal toll on Turji, who was once a powerful figure in the terrorist landscape. According to the Army, Turji is now forced to live in constant fear, holed up in various hiding spots after losing many of his fighters. The military’s offensive has crippled Turji’s operations, with his once expansive network severely damaged.
Turji, however, remains defiant, as he has recently threatened to unleash terror on the residents of Shinkafi unless his relatives, who were arrested on terrorism charges, are released. Reports indicate that his group has been involved in kidnappings and attacks in the area, sparking the military’s heightened response. Despite the ongoing threats, the Nigerian military is resolute in its mission to eliminate Turji and his network.
