The Nigerian military has intensified its assault on notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, with combined ground and air operations under Operation Fansan Yanma targeting his strongholds in Zamfara State.
Recent coordinated military strikes have successfully dismantled Turji’s key hideouts, particularly in Fakai, a known base for his operations in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
According to security expert Zagazola Makama, these strikes are part of a larger campaign that has already resulted in the destruction of several bandit camps in the Sabon Birni area.
Among the targeted camps were Zangon Dan Gwandi, Zangon Tsaika, Zangon Kagara, and a school used by Turji for storing food and weapons.
The military demolished the school to prevent it from aiding Turji’s criminal network.
Intelligence sources confirmed to Makama that Turji’s group has suffered significant casualties in the operation, with Turji’s son killed and many of his fighters neutralized.
“We intercepted Turji’s panicked communication as he called for reinforcements from other bandit leaders, but none came to his aid,” an intelligence source stated.
The military operation, which has seen both airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force and ground assaults, has inflicted heavy losses on Turji’s group.
Several of his fighters were injured, and some retreated with stolen livestock to the Mangwarorin Gebe area.
A strategic and well-coordinated military push has seen elite forces, supported by the Navy’s Special Boat Service (SBS), launch successful strikes while minimizing civilian casualties through advanced intelligence and early-warning systems.
