The Defence Headquarters on Monday said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma killed terrorist kingpin Bello Turji’s son and many of his fighters during clearance operations

The operations that were conducted on January 17 along Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa, and Chindo axis also led to the destruction of the terrorists’ logistic base.

A statement by the outgoing Director of Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said Turji’s son was killed at Fakai high ground, where the terrorists were hiding.

He also declared Turji a coward for abandoning his son and fighters during the operations.

Newsmen reports that Turji had repeatedly taunted the military after being declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters.

Specifically in December 2024, he boldly challenged the military to confront him at his hideout following the arrest of his associate, Baka Wurgi, by troops. In response, the military pledged to neutralise him in 2025.

Buba, however, said several kidnapped victims captured by Turji were rescued during the operation.

He said, “On January 17, 2025, a coordinated operation between troops of Operation Fansan Yamma as well as the air component conducted clearance operations along the Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa and Chindo axis. The operations killed scores of terrorists, including notorious terrorist leader Bello TURJI’s son, on Fakai high ground, where the terrorists were hiding.

“The intensity of troops’ firepower resulted in high terrorist casualties 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. “

In a separate operation, Buba said troops neutralised three terrorists and arrested three suspected collaborators at a camp belonging to another terrorist kingpin, Idi Mallam, in the Zango-Kagara Forest.

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He said, “Meanwhile, in a related development, troops also destroyed another terrorist kingpin camp known as Idi Mallam along Zango Kagara Forest. During the encounter, troops neutralised 3 terrorists and arrested 3 suspected collaborators.

“Furthermore, troops recovered two machine guns, one AK47 rifle with a magazine containing 11 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. Additionally, 61 rustled cattle and 44 sheep were rescued, among other sundry items.

“Troops are sustaining the onslaught against the terrorist. Overall, troops continue to demonstrate commitment to the safety and protection of all citizens nationwide.”