Troops Close In On Wanted Terrorist Kingpin Bello Turji After Killing Son

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West have raided a camp belonging to wanted terrorist kingpin Bello Turji on Fakai Hills and killed his son.

A statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said troops on January 17, 2025, conducted clearance operations along Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa and Chindo axis of Zamfara State.

He said troops, during the operations, killed scores of terrorists including notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji’s son on Fakai highground, where the terrorist was hiding before abandoning his fighters and fleeing away.

He said the troops engaged the terrorists in gunfight, which resulted in high casualties on the part of the terrorists and their logistics hub destroyed.

“The operations also resulted in the rescue of several kidnapped hostages held captive by Bello Turji.

“The terrorist leader, Bello Turji, in a gross cowardly act escaped abandoning his son and combatants,” he said.

In a related development, General Buba said troops also destroyed another terrorist kingpin’s camp known as Idi Mallam along Zango Kagara Forest.

He added that troops during the encounter neutralised three terrorists, and arrested three suspected collaborators. Troops recovered two machine guns, one AK47 rifle with a magazine containing 11 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.

Troops also recovered 61 rustled cattles, 44 sheeps among other sundry items.

He assured that the troops were sustaining the onslaught against the terrorists.

“Overall, troops continue to demonstrate commitment to the safety and protection of all citizens across the country,” the DHQ spokesman stated.