A wave of military action has shattered the stronghold of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, with a series of devastating air and ground strikes by the Nigerian military in the heart of Zamfara State. Operation Fansan Yanma, a high-profile offensive involving special forces and elite military units, has escalated its efforts against Turji’s criminal network, following a series of tactical victories in the region.
Reports indicate that key hideouts in Fakai, located within the Shinkafi Local Government Area, were destroyed in what military sources describe as a well-coordinated assault. The operation targeted several key locations, including camps in Zangon Dan Gwandi, Zangon Tsaika, and Zangon Kagara. A school, previously used as a weapons and food supply base by Turji’s group, was also burned to the ground to prevent its future use by the bandit leader.
“This is a game-changer for us,” a senior military officer involved in the operation told Zagazola Makama. “We have dealt a significant blow to Turji’s network by dismantling his primary strongholds and eliminating some of his top lieutenants.”
The recent offensive, a part of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against the criminal banditry plaguing the northwestern region, has gained momentum thanks to strategic intelligence-sharing between the Nigerian Armed Forces and local security agencies. These coordinated efforts have led to the destruction of key supply chains and logistical hubs that have long supported Turji’s criminal empire.
A Devastating Blow: Son Killed, Key Allies Neutralized
In a shocking turn of events, sources confirm that Turji’s son, alongside several high-ranking members of his criminal faction, was killed during the strikes. This marks a major personal and operational loss for the bandit leader, whose once-strong influence in the region has begun to wane.
“We have confirmed the death of his son and several of his top fighters,” a source within the military’s intelligence unit revealed. “Turji’s response was frantic. We intercepted a call where he was urgently requesting reinforcements from seven other bandit leaders. Unfortunately for him, none showed up. His position is weakening.”
Turji’s repeated calls for help, which went unanswered, signify a fracturing of his once-powerful alliance with other criminal groups. As Turji’s forces falter, his operations have been forced to retreat further into the dense forests and rugged terrains of Zamfara and beyond.
Several of Turji’s combatants, reportedly including lieutenants and trusted commanders, have been captured or killed, according to military reports. However, some have managed to retreat to Mangwarorin Gebe, a nearby hideout, where they are believed to be hiding stolen livestock and valuables, which they have used as a means of sustaining their operations.
Airstrikes and Intelligence Pivotal in Operation’s Success
The success of the operation has been attributed to several factors, most notably the increased effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force’s airstrikes, which played a crucial role in dismantling key hideouts. The Nigerian Air Force executed a series of precise bombings on Turji’s hideouts, which significantly undermined his operational capabilities. According to military spokespersons, these airstrikes were designed to limit civilian casualties by targeting known criminal outposts and avoiding populated areas.
“We’ve been successful in evacuating civilians from high-risk zones before executing these strikes,” said the senior officer. “This has significantly reduced collateral damage and civilian loss of life.”
In addition to air support, elite forces from Operation Hadarin Daji have strategically positioned themselves along key escape routes in an effort to corner the bandits and prevent their flight. Special Boat Service (SBS) units from the Nigerian Navy have also been deployed, further enhancing the operation’s scope and effectiveness.
Turji’s Last Stand: Surrounded, But Not Defeated
Despite the severe losses suffered by Turji’s faction, military intelligence suggests that he remains on the run, now cornered in a remote location. The last credible sighting of the bandit leader places him at Zangon Gebe, where he is said to be holed up with a significant number of heavily armed fighters. Turji is reportedly surrounded by a perimeter of elite military units and has few escape routes left.
“We are confident that Turji will not escape this time,” said another source close to the military operation. “We’ve cut off his supply lines, and with the noose tightening around him, it’s only a matter of time before he’s neutralized.”
The military’s sustained campaign against Turji’s group comes after months of increased security operations aimed at curbing the growing insecurity in the region, particularly in Zamfara and neighboring states. The Federal Government, working in tandem with local authorities, has made dismantling bandit networks like Turji’s a top priority, following the rise in violent attacks on civilians and the ongoing challenge posed by criminal gangs in the northwest.
Turji, known for his brutal tactics and wide-ranging influence across the region, has evaded previous military efforts. However, the recent escalation in Operation Fansan Yanma signifies a more aggressive and coordinated approach aimed at permanently ending his reign of terror.
A Strategic Shift: More Operations to Follow
Military experts and government officials have hinted that Turji’s fate may soon be sealed. With mounting pressure from both local and federal authorities to restore peace in the region, the Nigerian Armed Forces are expected to launch further offensives in the coming weeks, targeting other key criminal leaders and their networks.
“We are committed to eliminating these criminal gangs once and for all,” said Major General Olusegun Adeniyi, who is overseeing the ongoing operations in Zamfara. “This is not just about one man, it’s about dismantling an entire criminal ecosystem. We won’t rest until peace is restored.”
As the offensive continues, local residents and officials in Zamfara State have expressed cautious optimism, hoping that the increased military presence will lead to a lasting reduction in banditry. However, they remain acutely aware that the battle against Turji and his affiliates is far from over.
