Troops of Operation FANSAR YANMA, participating in Operation Tsabtar Daji III Phase 2, have overrun the notorious hideout of wanted bandit kingpin Bello Turji in Zamfara State.
The high-impact military raid led to the destruction of Garin Fakai, a key operational base for Turji, and the seizure of a massive cache of weapons, dealing a major blow to criminal activities in the region.
According to intelligence sources, troops received actionable intelligence about bandit regrouping in Katsira village. After initial searches yielded little, the troops advanced towards Fakai village—a known terrorist haven—where they launched a coordinated cordon-and-search operation.
In a swift offensive, troops stormed Garin Fakai, setting key structures ablaze and forcing bandits to flee, abandoning their weapons. Several AK-47 rifles, an RPG bomb, and numerous rounds of ammunition were recovered. Women and children left behind were safely rescued by the troops.
In the days leading up to this operation, security forces intensified crackdowns across Zamfara, including: Zurmi Forest Sweep – Troops neutralized multiple armed bandits and dismantled their makeshift camps.
Hostage Rescue Mission – At least 10 kidnapped victims were freed in a pre-dawn assault on a known hideout. Dumburum Ambush Foiled – Bandits attempting to ambush a military convoy were met with superior firepower, resulting in significant casualties.
Bello Turji, one of Nigeria’s most wanted terrorists, has orchestrated countless attacks, kidnappings, and massacres across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States. With the destruction of his stronghold, military sources believe his logistics and operational network will suffer a severe setback.
This latest offensive underscores the Nigerian Army’s renewed commitment to wiping out criminal strongholds and restoring security in the Northwest.
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