The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has announced a significant victory in the fight against terrorism. Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, under Operation Fansan Yamma, conducted successful clearance operations on January 17, targeting terrorist strongholds in Zamfara State. Among those neutralized was the son of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji, along with numerous fighters loyal to him.
The operations, which took place across the Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa, and Chindo areas, also led to the destruction of a critical logistics hub used by the terrorists. In a statement, Major General Edward Buba, the outgoing Director of Media Operations, confirmed these developments. He revealed that Turji’s son was killed at Fakai high ground, a known hideout for the group.
General Buba condemned Turji’s actions during the operation, labeling him a coward for fleeing the scene and abandoning his son and fighters to face the military assault alone. Turji, who had previously taunted the military in 2024 by daring them to confront him at his hideout, remains on the run. The military had earlier vowed to bring him to justice in 2025, and this operation appears to be a significant step toward fulfilling that promise.
He said, “On January 17, 2025, a coordinated operation between troops of Operation Fansan Yamma as well as the air component conducted clearance operations along the Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa and Chindo axis. The operations killed scores of terrorists, including notorious terrorist leader Bello TURJI’s son, on Fakai high ground, where the terrorists were hiding.
“The intensity of troops’ firepower resulted in high terrorist casualties and their logistics hub destroyed. The operations also resulted in the rescue of several kidnapped hostages held captive by Bello Turji. The terrorist leader, Bello Turji, in a gross cowardly act, escaped, abandoning his son and combatants. “
In a separate operation, Buba said troops neutralised three terrorists and arrested three suspected collaborators at a camp belonging to another terrorist kingpin, Idi Mallam, in the Zango-Kagara Forest.
He said, “Meanwhile, in a related development, troops also destroyed another terrorist kingpin camp known as Idi Mallam along Zango Kagara Forest. During the encounter, troops neutralised 3 terrorists and arrested 3 suspected collaborators.
“Furthermore, troops recovered two machine guns, one AK47 rifle with a magazine containing 11 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. Additionally, 61 rustled cattle and 44 sheep were rescued, among other sundry items.
“Troops are sustaining the onslaught against the terrorist. Overall, troops continue to demonstrate commitment to the safety and protection of all citizens nationwide.”
