…Bello Turji’s hideouts dismantled
….kidnapped victims rescued
…Zamfara govt reacts, commends military
Tragedy struck in the Tungar Kara community under Gidan Goga district of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, on Saturday evening, as an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) mistakenly hit members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), local vigilantes and residents, leaving at least 16 people dead.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred shortly after armed bandits raided the area and fled.
Local vigilantes and residents, who were defending their community against the attackers, were reportedly caught in the airstrike.
A lawmaker representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly Maharazu Salisu Gado Faru confirmed the incident.
He described the airstrike as an accident, stating that it targeted local vigilantes who had mobilized to counter the bandits.
According to the lawmaker, the exact death toll remains unconfirmed at this time.
The military authorities are yet to issue a formal response to the incident.
However, earlier on Sunday, the Nigerian Air Force released a statement detailing the success of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a coordinated air-ground assault targeting the stronghold of notorious bandit leader Kachallah Bello Turji at Fakai Hills.
In the statement, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, spokesperson for the Air Force, highlighted the operation’s success in neutralizing scores of bandits and freeing several kidnapped victims.
The Air Force described the mission as a significant step toward restoring peace and security in Zamfara State.
There have been similar incidents in the past of bombings of civilians in the military’s battle against jihadists and bandits in the northeast and northwest.
The Zamfara incident was the second deadly accidental airstrike to target civilians since the December 25 bombing of two villages in a raid targeting jihadists in neighbouring Sokoto state.
In December 2023, a Nigerian military airstrike mistook a Muslim religious gathering for bandits in the Tudun Biri community in northwestern Kaduna state, killing at least 85 people, mostly women, and children.
In January 2017, at least 112 people were killed when a fighter jet struck a camp housing 40,000 people displaced by jihadist violence in the town of Rann near the border with Cameroon.
Troops dismantle Bello Turji[s hideouts, k!ll 25 terrorists and rescue kidnapped victims in Zamfara
Meanwhile, Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled terrorists hideouts, k!lled 25 bandits and rescued kidnapped victims in Zamfara State.
Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, January 12, 2025, said some of the camps cleared include that of wanted bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji.
“Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma successfully dismantled terrorist hideouts in the Fakai area of Shinkafi Local Government Area (LGA), Zamfara State, on 10 January 2025,’ the statement read.
“The troops in an offensive operation supported by the Air Component Operation Fansan Yamma cleared some terrorists’ camps in the Fakai axis.
“Some of the camps cleared include that of Bello Turji and Mallam Ila, where troops neutralized over 25 terrorists with more than 18 others sustaining gunshot wounds, thus delivering a setback to the terrorist network. Additionally, 7 kidnapped victims were able to escape from the terrorists’ camps amid the operation.
“Operation Fansan Yamma will continue to pursue and neutralise all terrorist elements within its joint operation area.
“We therefore warn all terrorist kingpins and their associates to surrender and renounce violence unconditionally, as our troops remain committed to eradicating these threats.
“We assure the public of our dedication to restoring peace and security in the affected communities.”
Zamfara govt commends Nigerian Air Force, commiserates with civilian casualties
Meanwhile, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has commended the Nigerian military’s efforts in the renewed onslaught against bandits in Zamfara State.
The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, in a successful airstrike over the weekend, decisively targeted bandits attacking villages in Zurmi and Maradun Local Government Areas of the State.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Gusau by the spokesman of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the Governor expressed deep condolences to the families of civilian casualties affected by the airstrike at Tungar Kara in Zurmi Local Government Area.
The statement clarified that the civilian casualties were members of the local vigilante who were mistakenly identified as the bandits fleeing from Gidan Makera in the Boko district of Zurmi LGA.
The statement reads in part: “We have received multiple positive reports of precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas”
“This intervention by the military has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits and has shown the commitment of the Nigeria Air Force to carrying out its constitutional mandate of protecting civilians and safeguarding the lives and property of the people”
“As a responsible government, we assure all the people of the State that the Government of Zamfara State remains steadfast in its resolve to sustain the gains made in the fight against banditry and related criminalities”
“The recent success indicates that the collaborative efforts between the state and federal security agencies yield positive results”
“In light of these achievements, the State government reaffirms its commitment to providing all necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to sustain their operations and bring lasting peace to the State”
“We will continue to offer support to enhance intelligence sharing, provide logistics, and strengthen community engagement, all in the spirit of a comprehensive approach to security and achieving the ultimate goal of restoring normalcy across all parts of the State”
“Regrettably, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, JTF, and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives. We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah”
“The State government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen JTF personnel and assures them that the sacrifices of the deceased will not go in vain. The government will provide necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families.
“Finally, the government calls on people to be vigilant, report all suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security personnel. Through collective effort and unity of purpose, the fight against banditry can be won, bringing enduring peace and stability to Zamfara State”
