The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) on Sunday announced a successful conduct of air and ground operations on Kachallah Bello Turji’s stronghold on Fakai Hills in Zamfara State, killing scores of terrorists fighters.
The operations was conducted by troops and platform under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
NAF Spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola F Akinboyewa, said in a statement that the “devastatingly well-coordinated air-ground assault” was executed on January 10, 2025, adding that the terrorist kingpin’s “whereabouts remain unknown.”
Stating that the attack has put “further pressure on his (Turji’s) crumbling network,” AVM Akinboyewa as they “suffered heavy casualties,” noting that “scores of bandits were neutralized, while many others, including some top commanders, sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
He reiterated NAF’s “unwavering commitment to coordinating with ground forces to eradicate all forms of criminality in the country,” adding that “together, we will defeat all enemies militating against the security of our territories and wellbeing of our people, paving the way for the peace and prosperity of our Great Nation.”
The full statement by AVM AKinboyewa reads: “Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has delivered a crushing blow to banditry in Zamfara State, through a devastatingly well-coordinated air-ground assault executed on 10 January 2025. 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.
“This resounding success has been met with widespread celebrations from locals in Zamfara State, who expressed relief and gratitude for the operation’s positive impact. In a heartening outcome, several kidnapped victims were also freed, bringing hope to many families affected by the banditry.
“The Nigerian Air Force has reiterated its unwavering commitment to coordinating with ground forces to eradicate all forms of criminality in the country. Together, we will defeat all enemies militating against the security of our territories and wellbeing of our people, paving the way for the peace and prosperity of our Great Nation.”