By Samaila Emmanuel Bzugu
In a significant blow to banditry in Zamfara State, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly sustained serious injuries, while his son and several of his fighters have been confirmed dead following an intense military operation.

According to reliable sources, combined ground and air troops under Operation Fansan Yanma have escalated their offensive against Turji, dismantling key hideouts in Fakai, a stronghold in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
The military operation, which has been described as strategic and carefully planned, has resulted in the destruction of multiple bandit camps in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Zamfara State. 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.
Turji’s group has suffered significant losses, with his son and many of his fighters killed during the operation
Intelligence sources have confirmed that Turji’s group has suffered significant losses, with his son and many of his fighters killed during the operation. Turji was also heard calling for reinforcements from seven other bandit leaders, but none of them showed up. A considerable number of Turji’s associates, including high-profile lieutenants and possibly family members, were neutralized during the targeted strikes.
The operation is primarily led by a special forces unit with support from the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and supplemented by personnel from the Navy’s Special Boat Service (SBS). The Nigerian Air Force executed a series of precise airstrikes, dismantling crucial hideouts and significantly undermining Turji’s operational capabilities. Elite troops from Operation Hadarin Daji and the special forces unit of Operation Fansan Yamma have strategically positioned themselves along key escape routes.
Turji was last sighted at Zangon Gebe, where he remains surrounded by his heavily armed fighters
Credible intelligence indicates that Turji was last sighted at Zangon Gebe, where he remains surrounded by his heavily armed fighters. The military has assured that they are committed to ending the impunity of notorious bandits and that this operation is one of the most decisive efforts in recent times.