*Eliminate Bello Turji’s bandits on gun battle
By Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation HADIN Kai has recorded a major operational success following precision airstrikes by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) jets that eliminated scores of terrorists in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the mission, was based on credible intelligence indicating the presence of insurgents around Parisu axis within the forest.
According to the source, at about 9:00 p.m. on March 20, air asset, was deployed to carry out an armed reconnaissance and air interdiction mission over the suspected location.
“Upon arrival overhead, the platform established visual contact with suspected Boko Haram terrorists engaging in active movements within the area,” the source said.
The surveillance revealed insurgents moving tactically before converging on a concealed structure hidden under dense foliage.
The source said the aircrew maintained persistent surveillance and trailed the suspects to the hideout before executing a precision strike on the target.
“The strike was accurately delivered, resulting in the destruction of the structure and neutralisation of multiple terrorists within the location,” he said.
The sources said that Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) conducted after the strike indicated that several insurgents fled from adjoining hideouts in disarray, seeking cover within the forest.
The source added that the air platform continued tracking the fleeing terrorists and conducted a follow-up strike on another identified hideout.
“The second strike further degraded the terrorists’ capability, with additional targets destroyed. BDA confirmed significant impact, with surviving observed attempting to escape,” he added.
He noted that the sustained air presence and precision engagement demonstrated growing dominance in the airspace and its ability to deny terrorists freedom of action in their enclaves.
The successful operation, according to the source, forms part of ongoing coordinated air and ground offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds in Sambisa Forest and adjoining areas.
Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised several armed bandits during a fierce gunbattle while conducting an offensive operation against the hideout of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji in Fakai, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to security sources, the operation, led by 8 Division Strike Force, commenced at about 6:00 a.m. on March 20, targeting Turji’s camp deep inside Kagara Forest.
During the advance, two combat support vehicles developed mechanical faults near Maberaya village in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, prompting a temporary halt in the troops’ movement.
It was at this moment that heavily armed bandits from Turji’s faction launched an ambush, using high grounds and forested areas for cover.
“The troops swiftly responded with superior firepower, engaging the bandits and eliminating several of them in the encounter,” the sources said.
Three soldiers and one personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) sustained injuries during the skirmish and were promptly evacuated to the 8 Division Military Hospital for medical attention.
Reinforcement teams from Forward Operating Bases in Isa and Shinkafi later linked up with the troops to consolidate the area and ensure operational success.
