The Nigerian military has announced the killing of the son of the nation’s most wanted terrorist, Bello Turji.
Turji’s son, whose name was undisclosed, was killed following an air operation on January 17, a statement by the military disclosed on Monday.
The statement, signed by the Director Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba said the development came through a joint effort of the Nigeria Air Force and Operation FANSAN YAMMA in five states.
The states include Shinkafi (Zamfara), Kagara (Niger), Fakai (Kebbi), Moriki (Zamfara), Maiwa (Bauchi) and Chindo (Katsina) axis.
The statement said, “The operations killed scores of terrorists including notorious terrorist leaders, Bello TURJI’S, son on Fakai high ground where the terrorists were hiding.
“The intensity of troops ‘ power resulted in high terrorist casualties and their logistics hub destroyed.
“The operations also resulted in the rescue of several kidnapped hostages held captive by Bello TURJI.
“The terrorist leader, Bello Turji, in a gross cowardly act escaped abandoning his son and combatants.”
Similarly, the military killed three terrorists and arrested three suspected collaborators after a raid on a terrorist kingpin’s camp along Zango Kagara Forest.
The troops recovered from the camp, two machine guns, and one AK47 Rifle with a magazine containing 11 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.
“Additionally, 61 rustled cattle, and 44 sheep were rescued among other sundry items,” the statement noted.
The military pledged to persistently combat terrorism and safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians.