Bandit leader Turji spotted in Zamfara forest

The end might be near for Bello Turji after the bandit leader was reportedly spotted in Kalage Forest, Mashema Region, Eastern Kagara, Zamfara State.

Credible sources have informed Zagazola Makama of Turji’s whereabouts, according to a post shared on the official X account of the security analyst and counterinsurgency expert on Friday.

Makama said intelligence sources told him that Turji was reportedly operating from the Eastern Kagara area alongside two of his key lieutenants, identified as Office and Ibrahim Buzu.

“Turji and his associates have established a stronghold within the forest, supported by several armed militants and large herds of livestock, which are believed to be part of their plunder from ongoing raids,” Makama said.

On Thursday, he shot a video but was scared to release it due to the fear that he might be tracked and stripped of his position.

Meanwhile, the defence headquarters on Thursday, in a statement by the outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba, confirmed that Turji’s deputy, Aminu Kanawa was killed by the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma.

Buba also disclosed that the troops inflicted serious injuries on some of Turji’s closest allies, including his younger brother.

According to Buba, in an update on the operation in the Northwest, the military killed no fewer than seven key commanders of Turji, along with more than 24 of his fighters fleeing his hideout.

“Sequel to the ongoing military onslaught on terrorists in the NW of the country, between the 20-21 Jan 2025, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised the second-in-command of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji, namely Aminu Kanawa,” Buba said.

“Troops also inflicted terminal injuries on some of Bello Turji’s close allies, namely Dosso (Bello Turji’s younger brother) and Danbokolo (one of Turji’s closest allies).

“Additionally, troops neutralised several of Bello Turji’s key commanders, namely Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba, and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe, among others.

“Furthermore, troops neutralised over 24 fleeing terrorists from Bello Turji’s camp around Gebe and Isa LGA of Sokoto State, as well as around Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State.”

Buba stated that troops are not relenting until the terrorists are completely destroyed.

He added that the troops’ operations aim to create an atmosphere of safety and security for all citizens.