Most wanted bandit leader Bello Turji loses son, weapons in heavy military onslaught
Nigerian troops have intensified their operations against notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, targeting his strongholds in Zamfara State.
The development, reported by counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama on Sunday, marks a significant escalation in efforts to dismantle Turji’s network.
According to Makama, coordinated military strikes successfully destroyed Turji’s hideouts in Fakai, Shinkafi Local Government Area, following earlier missions that neutralized bandit camps in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
Key camps targeted in the offensive included Zangon Dan Gwandi, Zangon Tsaika, Zangon Kagara, and a school allegedly used by Turji to store foodstuffs and weapons. The military burned the school to prevent its future use as a supply base.
Intelligence reports suggest Turji’s group has suffered severe setbacks. “We killed his son and many of his fighters during the operation,” sources confirmed to Makama.
Additionally, intercepted communications revealed Turji’s desperate calls for reinforcements from seven other bandit leaders, none of whom responded. One of his spies narrowly escaped capture during the raid.
Several of Turji’s associates, including prominent lieutenants and possibly family members, were eliminated in the strikes.
Reports also indicate that four of his fighters were injured in previous encounters, while others have retreated to Mangwarorin Gebe, where they are allegedly hiding stolen livestock and valuables.
