Troops Storm Bello Turji’s Camp in Zamfara, Neutralize Key Terrorist Kingpin
Troops of 1 Brigade, Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation Hadarin Daji, have raided the camp of notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji, in Zamfara State, neutralizing a prominent bandit kingpin, Sani Rusu, during the operation.
The military operation, conducted on January 4, 2025, targeted multiple terrorist hideouts, including Turji’s camp in the Chida area of Shinkafi Local Government Area. Spokesperson for the Brigade, Lt. Col. Abdullahi Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement, emphasizing the success of the offensive.
According to Abubakar, the troops, acting on credible intelligence, also conducted an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi LGA, where several terrorists were neutralized while others sustained fatal injuries. The operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, three magazines, and three motorcycles.
In a separate operation, the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji carried out airstrikes on December 30, 2024, targeting terrorists converging between Fakai and Kware areas of Shinkafi. Intelligence indicated that Turji and his fighters had convened a meeting, prompting the strikes.
A follow-up air raid on January 2, 2025, struck Maikaman Rini in the Sububu Forest, targeting the camp of another terrorist kingpin, Ibrahim Chumo, in support of ground troops. Surveillance reports confirmed significant casualties among the terrorists, with their hideouts severely damaged.
The Nigerian Army has described Bello Turji as living “like a rat in holes” following the decimation of his fighters and the destruction of his strongholds. Lt. Col. Abdullahi stated that the military was closing in on Turji after his fighters suffered heavy losses, stressing that the offensive would continue until all terrorist threats in the region were neutralized.
Turji had previously threatened to unleash violence in Shinkafi LGA unless his relatives arrested for terrorism were released. His forces have been linked to multiple attacks and kidnappings in the area, prompting the intensified military crackdown.
The Joint Task Force has urged continued cooperation from local communities to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in Zamfara State.
