The Defence Headquarters has revealed how notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji fled, abandoning his son and numerous loyal fighters during a recent military operation in Zamfara State.
In what was described as a “cowardly act,” Turji escaped under heavy military firepower, leaving his son and other combatants behind.
Turji, who has terrorised Nigeria’s North West for years, is infamous for orchestrating attacks that have led to the deaths of numerous villagers and the abduction of thousands.
Despite being declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters, Turji had previously taunted the military, daring them to confront him at his hideout.
However, troops under “Operation Fansan Yamma” launched a decisive offensive on January 17 2025, targeting terrorist enclaves along the Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa, and Chindo axis.
The coordinated operation led to the death of Turji’s son at Fakai high ground, alongside scores of other terrorists. Several kidnapped hostages held by Turji’s group were also rescued during the assault.
Outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, stated:
“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.”
