Troops of 1 Brigade, Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, under Operation Hadarin Daji, have intensified their offensive against terrorists in Zamfara State, targeting the hideouts of notorious terrorist leaders, including Bello Turji.
In a statement issued yesterday by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Col. Abdullahi Abubakar, the operations, conducted on January 4, 2025, neutralized several terrorists, including Sani Rusu, a notorious bandit kingpin, during an encounter at Bamamu Village in Tsafe Local Government Area.
Lt. Col. Abubakar disclosed that troops also conducted a successful ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi Local Government Area, based on credible intelligence.
During the operation, several terrorists were neutralized, while others sustained severe injuries. Weapons recovered included one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 4 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, three magazines, and three motorcycles.
In a related development, the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji carried out targeted airstrikes on December 30, 2024, following intelligence reports of terrorists led by Bello Turji convening in the Fakai and Kware areas of Shinkafi. A follow-up airstrike on January 2, 2025, targeted Ibrahim Chumo’s camp in Maikaman Rini, Sububu Forest, further neutralizing threats. Additional ground operations on January 5, 2025, targeted Turji’s camp in Chida, resulting in significant casualties and the destruction of terrorist hideouts.
Lt. Col. Abubakar assured the public of the military’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace in the region. “Operation Hadarin Daji remains resolute in its mission to neutralize all terrorist threats. We encourage community cooperation to achieve our mandate,” he said.
Army: Bello Turji Now Hiding in Holes Like a Rat
The Nigerian Army has revealed that Bello Turji, a wanted terrorist leader, is now in hiding as many of his fighters have been neutralized.
Lt. Col. Abdullahi, spokesperson for Operation Fushin Kada, disclosed in an interview yesterday that the military’s air component had destroyed Turji’s camps in Shinkafi Local Government Area. “Our fighter jets have dealt a significant blow to Turji’s enclaves. Many of his fighters have been eliminated, and he now lives in holes like a rat,” he said.
Turji had recently threatened to unleash violence in Shinkafi unless his relatives detained on terrorism charges were released. Reports indicate that Turji’s group had launched attacks and kidnapped travelers in the area, prompting swift military action that led to the death of several terrorists, including Sani Rusu.
The military reassures residents of its determination to eliminate all terrorist threats and restore lasting peace to the region.
