Nation
Troops intercept arms in Zamfara, broaden search for bandit kingpin Turji

Troops of 1 Brigade of the Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma, in conjunction with operatives of the Department of State Services, have seized a cache of arms in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Coordinator of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Abdulahi Abubakar, stated that the operation, conducted on 27 January 2025, was based on information regarding suspected arms dealers operating from the Niger Republic.
Abubakar, in a statement, said, “The troops launched a covert operation to track the suspects, resulting in a pursuit along the Kaura Namoda-Zurmi road. The suspects attempted to escape by diverting their vehicle into the bush but were forced to abandon it after being engaged by the troops.
“A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of the following items: 2x PKT machine guns, 9 x AK-47 rifles, 13x magazines, 171 x rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 9x rounds of PKT ammunition.
“Contrary to a circulating audio claiming the arrest of notorious terrorist Bello Turji, the military said he remains at large, moving from hideout to hideout to evade capture. We assure the public that our troops are working tirelessly to apprehend him as part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. We deeply appreciate the public’s concern regarding this matter and urge locals to continue their support and cooperation by reporting any information that may assist in our efforts.”