The military Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma have warned all terrorist kingpins and their associates in the North West to surrender and renounce violence unconditionally, after troops successfully dismantled Bello Turji and Mallam Ila camps, neutralized over 25 terrorists with more than 18 others sustaining gunshot wounds in the Fakai area of Shinkafi Local Government Area (LGA), Zamfara State, on 10 January 2025.
Coordinator Joint Media Coordination Centre, Lt Col Abubakar Abdullahi revealed this in a press statement on Sunday, 12, January 2025 noting that troops remain committed to eradicating these threats.
Abdullahi added that, 7 kidnapped victims were able to escape from the terrorists' camps amid the operation. He stressed that the offensive operation was supported by the Air Component Operation Fansan Yamma to clear some terrorists' camps in the Fakai axis.
He said some of the camps cleared include that of Bello Turji and Mallam Ila, where troops neutralized over 25 terrorists with more than 18 others sustaining gunshot wounds, thus delivering a setback to the terrorist network.
"Operation Fansan Yamma will continue to pursue and neutralise all terrorist elements within its joint operation area. We assure the public of our dedication to restoring peace and security in the affected communities."
Director Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olusola F Akinboyewa in a press statement on Sunday explained that Air strikes and synchronized ground assaults at Fakai Hills decimated scores of bandits, leaving many others gravely wounded. This bold operation underscored the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to restore peace and security to the region.
Local intelligence reports confirmed that the bandits, loyal to notorious leader Kachallah Bello Turji, suffered heavy casualties.
Scores of bandits were neutralized, while many others, including some top commanders, sustained varying degrees of injuries. Sequel to the fierce engagement, Kachallah Turji's whereabouts remain unknown, adding further pressure on his crumbling network.
The operation was meticulously executed, with real-time coordination from an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform overhead, ensuring accurate target correlation.
The identified targets were swiftly engaged using rockets and cannons in multiple passes, delivering devastating blows to the enemy. The aircrew maintained visual and radio contact with the ground troops.
The bandits, in a desperate bid to escape, were observed fleeing eastward of the hill, prompting further engagements that successfully neutralized additional targets.