The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has labeled the wanted bandit leader, Bello Turji, a coward whose days are numbered after troops of Operation Fansan Yamma raided his hideouts and killed his son alongside many fighters during clearance operations.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media Operations, Major- Gen. Edward Buba, the DHQ said the fact that Turji has been running from pillar to post and begging other bandit commanders to come to his aid was a clear indication that he is a dead man walking.
Buba cited the successful routing of Turji’s camps in Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa, and Chindo axis of Zamfara State on January 17 by the military as a sign that the terrorist did not have anywhere to hide again.
He also declared Turji a coward for abandoning his son and fighters during the operations where they were killed.
The statement read: “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,” Buba said.
“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. I want to remind him that his days are numbered.
“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.”