Nigerian troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have successfully neutralized 24 bandits, including seven high-ranking commanders of the notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji.

The development follows a week-long operation against banditry in the Northwest by Nigerian troops.

Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, made this known in a post on his X account on Wednesday.

Makama reported that the operations were carried out by Special Forces of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Brigade and the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Services in several bandit hideouts in Gebe village, Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

He stated, citing intelligence sources, that the week-long offensive aimed at dismantling Turji’s operational network targeted hideouts and camps in Shinkafi and Isa LGAs, areas notorious for criminal activities.

The security expert added that the operation involved ground troops supported by precision airstrikes by the Air Components and intelligence-driven raids.

“Among the seven prominent commanders neutralized were: Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba, and Dan Inna Kahon Saniya (alias Yafi Bahaushe).

“These individuals were pivotal to Turji’s operations, coordinating attacks, managing logistics, and facilitating the movement of arms and supplies across the region. Their elimination deals a significant blow to the gang’s leadership and operational capabilities,” Makama said.

He added that the operation was marked by sustained engagements, including ambushes, search-and-destroy missions, and strategic airstrikes.