Bandit leader Bello Turji flees after military attack Zamfara camp killing his son

NOTORIOUS bandit leader Bello Turji has fled for dear life after suffering from the onslaught of a sustained Nigerian military assault that led to the death of his sun and the destruction of his forest camp.

One of the most wanted men in Nigeria, Turji operates from camps in Zamfara State, from where his reign of terror allows him to exert his authority over large swathes of territory. banditry, kidnapping, tax collection and effectively running a parallel administration are all features of Turji's presence in Zamfara State.

Over the weekend, however, the Nigerian Army launched an attack on his camp in Fakai, in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State under the codename Operation Fansan Yanma. Supported by air strikes, a combined ground and air assault, dismantling Turji’s key hideouts in Fakai.

This offensive follows a series of successful operations in Zamfara’s Sabon Birni Local Government Area, where multiple bandit camps, including Zangon Dan Gwandi, Zangon Tsaika and Zangon Kagara, have been destroyed. This combined assault has forced Tuji to flee as several of his fighters, including his son have been reportedly killed in the raids.

One military source said: “Among the camps targeted were Zangon Dan Gwandi, Zangon Tsaika, Zangon Kagara and a school reportedly used by Turji to store foodstuffs and weapons. The military burned the school to prevent it from serving as a supply base for Turji’s network.

“Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that Turji’s group has suffered significant losses. We killed his son and many of his fighters during the operation. I also listened to Turji’s panicked voice calling for reinforcements from seven other bandit leaders. None of them showed up and one of his spies narrowly escaped from us today,"

He added that considerable number of Turji’s associates, including high profile lieutenants and possibly family members, were neutralized during the targeted strikes. Further reports reveal that four of Turji’s fighters were injured in previous encounters, while others have retreated to Mangwarorin Gebe, allegedly hiding stolen livestock and valuables.

“This operation is one of the most decisive efforts in recent times. Our forces are committed to ending the impunity of notorious bandits. This is a sustained campaign to dismantle these networks completely" the military source added.