Bello Turji is currently running for his life as Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma said it had killed scores of terrorists, including the son of the wanted terror kingpin during a raid in Zamfara.
A statement issued by the Director Defence Media Operations of the Armed Forces, Major General Edward Buba on Sunday, said the feat was achieved on January 17, during a coordinated operation between troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, as well as the air component conducted clearance operations along 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 statement said.
The Army’s statement comes after news of his son’s and loyalists’ deaths circulated in the Arewa community on X leaving most of the posters excited.
Security analyst, Zagazola Makama, broke the news on his verified X account on Saturday night, adding that the terrorist kingpin was on the run.
According to the statement by the Army, the intensity of troops ‘ power resulted in high terrorist casualties and their logistics hub destroyed.
The operations also resulted in the rescue of several kidnapped hostages held captive by Turji.
“The terrorist leader, Bello Turji, in a gross cowardly act escaped abandoning his son and combatants,” the statement added.
In a related development, the troops said they also destroyed another terrorist kingpin camp known as Idi Mallam along Zango Kagara Forest.
During the encounter, the troops said they neutralised three terrorists and arrested three 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 across the country,” the statement added.