By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Nigerian military has confirmed the killing of a notorious terrorist leader, Turji Kachalla’s son, during a clearance operation on Fakai high ground.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, announced the development in a statement, detailing the success of the joint operation conducted on January 17, 2025, by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and the air component.
According to General Buba, the operation targeted terrorist hideouts along the Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa, and Chindo axis, resulting in heavy casualties among the terrorists and the destruction of their logistics hub. Several kidnapped hostages held captive by the notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji were also rescued during the operation.
The statement noted that Bello Turji fled the scene, abandoning his son and his combatants in what was described as an act of cowardice.
In a separate operation, troops destroyed the camp of another terrorist kingpin, Idi Mallam, located in the Zango Kagara Forest. During the engagement, three terrorists were neutralized, three suspected collaborators were arrested, and a cache of weapons, including two machine guns and an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 11 rounds of ammunition, was recovered. Additionally, troops rescued 61 rustled cattle and 44 sheep, alongside other items.
General Buba commended the troops for their sustained efforts in the fight against terrorism, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of citizens across the country. He emphasized that the military remains resolute in its mission to rid Nigeria of all forms of criminality.
