Nigeria’s most wanted terrorist, Bello Turji is reportedly on the run after troops of the Nigerian Army dismantled another of his hideouts located in a forest in Zamfara State.

A counter-insurgency and security expert, Zagazola Makama, said in a post on his X handle on Monday that troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA participating in Operation Tsatsa Daji III Phase 2, successfully dismantled the notorious bandit’s stronghold on Sunday and recovered several caches of sophisticated weapons in the process.

He added that the raid followed a cordon-and-search operation targeting the general location of Garin Fakai, which has long served as the operational hub for Turji.

Makama wrote: “In a decisive triumph against banditry, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA participating in Operation Tsatsa Daji III Phase 2 have successfully dismantled the notorious stronghold of bandit leader Bello Turji, located in Zamfara State.

“This operation has led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, marking a critical step in the fight against criminal activities in the region. This military initiative, currently in its second phase, has ramped up efforts to eliminate criminal enclaves across the Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas.

“Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops launched an operation after receiving intelligence regarding bandit regrouping in the Katsira village area. Initial searches in the vicinity did not yield significant results, prompting the troops to advance towards Fakai village, a well-known hideout for heavily armed terrorists.

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“After conducting a thorough cordon-and-search operation, the troops targeted Garin Fakai, which has long served as the operational hub for Bello Turji, one of Nigeria’s most wanted bandit leaders. In a decisive action, the troops destroyed Garin Fakai,

“Military sources confirmed that several structures within the camp were set ablaze, as the bandits fled the general area, leaving women and children behind who were later rescued by the troops.

“During this successful raid, troops recovered Ak47 rifles, RPG bomb and several ammunitions.

“In the week leading up to this assault, the military conducted a series of raids targeting bandit-infested areas throughout Zamfara State. Key operations included: Troops executed a sweep of the Zurmi forest, neutralizing several armed bandits and dismantling makeshift camps used for kidnapping.

“In a pre-dawn operation, security forces stormed a hideout where kidnapped victims were being held, successfully rescuing at least 10 hostages. Bandits attempted to ambush a military convoy near Dumburum but were repelled by superior firepower, resulting in multiple enemy casualties.

“The eradication of Garin Fakai, a vital operational base for Bello Turji, signifies a crucial achievement in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism and banditry.

“Turji has been linked to numerous attacks, kidnappings, and killings across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina states. It is believed that the destruction of his stronghold will disrupt his group’s logistics, impede their operations, and limit their ability to coordinate large-scale attacks.”

Troops Obliterate Bello Turji’s Stronghold in Zamfara, Recover Weapons

In a decisive triumph against banditry, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA participating in Operation Tsatsa Daji III Phase 2 have successfully dismantled the notorious stronghold of bandit leader Bello Turji,… pic.twitter.com/fixQ3sAGHV

— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) February 10, 2025

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