Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s top military commander (CDS), says soldiers have killed senior leaders from Bello Turji’s gang in Zamfara state. Turji is known as a notorious bandit leader.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday at the end of a military commanders’ meeting, Musa said the killed bandit leaders were Kachalla Gwammade and Kachalla Shehu.
He said these fighters were killed on Thursday night, and that military actions in Zamfara have left Turji desperately trying to escape.
“In a follow-up operation, troops advanced into Tufan and Mashima villages, further dislodging armed groups and pushing them deeper into the forest,” the CDS said.
“In a symbolic strike against banditry, the security forces also returned to the once-cleared area of Bello Turji. The remaining portions of his camp, previously targeted in past offensives, were obliterated in a final suit to erase his presence from the region.”
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“Reports indicate that both Turji and Sani Black are now in this area desperately seeking escape routes as the pressure mounts.”
The military chief said security forces had made it clear to all armed groups in Nigeria that they can no longer act without consequences.
“For years, bandits, terrorists, and criminals have exploited the difficult terrain within our country, creating well-fortified hideouts and lodging deadly raids on communities,” he said.
“However, with the current operations gaining momentum, the tide appears to be turning as troops start their drip, and air assaults continue precision strikes. Special forces from the land, the maritime, and the air are working assiduously to ensure that we secure the entire nation.”
Musa promised that the military would keep up these efforts until it defeats all terrorist groups.
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