The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Monday said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma killed terrorist kingpin Bello Turji’s son and many of his fighters during clearance operations.
On January 17, actions along the Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa, and Chindo axis resulted in the elimination of the terrorists’ logistical base.
Major General Edward Buba, the outgoing Director of Media Operations, stated that Turji’s son was killed on the Fakai high ground, where the terrorists were hiding.
He also called Turji a coward for abandoning his son and warriors during the operation.
Chronicle NG reports that Turji had repeatedly taunted the military after being declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters.
In December 2024, Turji challenged the military to confront him at his hideout following the arrest of his associate, Baka Wurgi.
The military pledged to neutralise him in 2025. However, Buba claims that several kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation.
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 grossly cowardly act, escaped, abandoning his son and combatants.”
In a second operation, Buba stated that forces neutralised three terrorists and detained three alleged collaborators at another terrorist leader, Idi Mallam’s base 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 AK-47 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.”
