Troops from the 1 Brigade, Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, launched an operation against the camp of wanted terrorist leader Bello Turji and other terrorist hideouts in Zamfara State as part of Operation Fansan Yamma. The army reported that Turji is now forced to live in hiding due to the neutralization of many of his fighters. During the operation on January 4, 2025, troops also eliminated a notorious terrorist leader, Sani Rusu, in Bamamu Village, Tsafe LGA. Lt. Col.
Abdullahi Abubakar, the Brigade’s spokesman, stated that the troops conducted an ambush based on credible intelligence in Kwanar Jollof, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists and the recovery of firearms and ammunition, including an AK-47, a G3 rifle, and three motorcycles.
In a separate operation, the Air component of Operation Fansan Yamma carried out air strikes on terrorists gathering between Fakai and Kware in Shinkafi LGA on December 30, 2024. Following this, on January 2, 2025, air strikes targeted Ibrahim Chumo’s camp in the Maikaman Rini area of Sububu Forest, supporting ground troops’ operations against the terrorist leader. Additionally, on January 5, 2025, troops launched offensive operations against Bello Turji’s camp in the Chida area of Shinkafi. Aerial surveillance indicated that these operations resulted in significant casualties for the terrorists, with many injured and their hideouts destroyed.
Operation Fansan Yamma is dedicated to eliminating all terrorist threats within the Joint Task Force Theatre of Operation and has assured the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region. The Joint Task Force has called for continued community cooperation to fulfill its mission.
The military reported that wanted terrorist leader Bello Turji is now living in hiding, with many of his fighters neutralized. Lt. Col. Abdullahi, spokesperson for Operation Fushin Kada, stated that air strikes had successfully destroyed Turji’s camps in Shinkafi Local Government Area, resulting in significant losses for his group. He remarked that Turji now “lives in holes like a rat.”
Turji had previously threatened to cause chaos in Shinkafi unless his relatives imprisoned on terrorism charges were released. In response to his attacks on the area and the kidnapping of travelers, the military has intensified operations, leading to the elimination of several terrorists, including another bandit leader, Sani Rusu.