A combined ground and air operations has dislodged several terrorists from the camp of Bello Turji in Fakai, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The coordinated assaults targeted the strategic Fakai enclave of Turji, a wanted terrorist who has been on the run for long.
Before the well coordinated attack, civilians were systematically evacuated to minimise collateral damage, military sources said.
The decisive attack saw the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) executing series of precision airstrikes, dismantling key hideouts and significantly weakening Turji’s operational capabilities, while elite troops from Operation Hadarin Daji and the special forces unit of Operation Fansan Yamma blocked critical escape routes near Badarawa, Chida, Fakai, and surrounding communities.
A significant number of Turji’s associates, including high-profile lieutenants and family members, were neutralised.
“This is one of the most decisive military operations in recent times. The era of notorious bandits operating with impunity is coming to an end. Our approach is precise and unrelenting,” the source stated.
The official further emphasized that local political and community leaders have been instrumental in providing critical intelligence, while the morale of security forces remains at an all-time high.
“We have implemented a robust early warning system to alert civilians, ensuring that only bandit enclaves are targeted. With the strong support of the government and the public, our troops are fully committed to dismantling these criminal strongholds.”
As military pressure mounts, security analysts believe the sustained air and ground offensives could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against banditry, which has destabilized communities and displaced thousands across the region.
Local residents and officials remain cautiously optimistic, hoping that the ongoing operations will restore lasting peace and security to the affected areas.
Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, also posted on his X handle about the recent coordinated military strikes in Fakai.
Makama stated that the development comes after a series of successful missions that resulted in the destruction of multiple bandit camps located in Zangon Dan Gwandi, Zangon Tsaika, Zangon Kagara, and a school reportedly used by Turji to store foodstuffs and weapons.
According to him, the military burned the school to prevent it from serving as a supply base for Turji’s network.
“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,” the sources said.
“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,” Makama said.
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