The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised the son of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji, along with several of his fighters, during clearance operations conducted on January 17, 2025 in Zamfara State.
In a statement issued by Major General Edward Buba, the outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, the operations targeted terrorist hideouts along the Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa, and Chindo axis. The offensive led to the destruction of the terrorists’ logistics base and the successful rescue of several hostages.
Turji’s son was killed at Fakai high ground, a key hideout for the terrorist group. Major General Buba described Turji as a “coward” for abandoning his son and fighters during the military assault.
The operation follows months of defiance from Turji, who had publicly taunted the military and security forces. In December 2024, he reportedly dared the military to confront him at his hideout after the arrest of his associate, Baka Wurgi. The Defence Headquarters had earlier vowed to neutralise Turji in 2025.
“On January 17, 2025, a coordinated operation by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma and the air component targeted terrorist hideouts along the Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa, and Chindo axis. The offensive led to the killing of several terrorists, including Bello Turji’s son, at Fakai high ground,” Buba said.
In a related operation, troops raided the camp of another terrorist leader, Idi Mallam, in the Zango-Kagara Forest. Three terrorists were killed, and three suspected collaborators were apprehended.
Recovered items included two machine guns, an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, 61 rustled cattle, and 44 sheep.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to ongoing operations against terrorist groups to ensure the safety and security of citizens nationwide.
