Troops Kill Bello Turji’s Deputies as Military Closes In on Bandit

Nigerian troops have killed key commanders in the camp of Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader in Zamfara State, according to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the CDS Joint Task Force Commander Conference in Abuja on Friday, Musa confirmed the deaths of Kachalla Gwammade and Kachalla Shehu during military operations on Thursday night.

Musa stated that intensified military actions have forced Turji into a desperate search for an escape route. Troops advanced into Tufan and Mashima villages, further dislodging armed groups and pushing them deeper into the forest. Security forces also revisited Turji’s former stronghold, demolishing what remained of his camp in a final effort to erase his presence from the region. Reports suggest that Turji and his associate, Sani Black, are now struggling to find a way out as military pressure mounts.

The defence chief emphasized that these operations send a clear message that the era of impunity for armed groups is over. He noted that for years, bandits and terrorists had exploited Nigeria’s rugged terrain to establish fortified hideouts and launch deadly attacks on communities. However, he said, the ongoing military campaign is shifting the balance as ground troops and air assaults continue to target their strongholds with precision strikes.

Special forces across land, air, and maritime operations are actively working to secure the nation. Musa reaffirmed that the military would maintain its momentum until all terrorist factions are neutralized.