Notorious  bandit kingpinTurji Bello goes into hiding as  Military invade his hideouts

Notorious  bandit kingpinTurji Bello goes into hiding as  Military invade his hideouts

In a highly coordinated and relentless offensive, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) executed a series of precision air strikes and synchronized ground assaults targeting terrorist hideouts in the Fakai Hills region of Zamfara State.

The operation, part of the ongoing Operation Fansan Yanma, has resulted in the neutralization of dozens of bandits and inflicted heavy casualties on their ranks.

Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, confirmed the success of the operation, highlighting that the attacks on key bandit hideouts decimated a significant portion of the terrorist group.

“The strikes, combined with ground operations, left scores of bandits dead and many others seriously injured,” Akinboyewa stated, emphasising the scale and precision of the assault.

Intelligence reports indicate that the terrorists targeted in the offensive are followers of the notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Bello Turji.

Despite the significant losses suffered by the group, Turji himself remains elusive, continuing to evade capture, which complicates efforts to dismantle his network.

The operation was bolstered by real-time intelligence, with the NAF utilizing advanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms to ensure the accuracy of their strikes.

Rockets and cannons were deployed in multiple passes, ensuring maximum damage to enemy positions.

“The targets were swiftly engaged and destroyed with precision,” Akinboyewa added.

As the remaining bandits fled eastward, further air strikes were launched, successfully neutralizing additional targets in their desperate attempt to escape. In a significant humanitarian outcome, the operation also led to the freeing of several individuals previously held captive by the terrorists—a development that has been widely celebrated by local communities in Zamfara.

“This operation is a testament to the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to restoring peace and security in the region,” said Akinboyewa.

“We will continue working in close coordination with ground forces to eliminate all forms of criminality and ensure lasting peace for the people of Nigeria.”