Shaudo Alku, a close associate of the notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, has been confirmed killed in a targeted airstrike.
The operation, carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fasan Yama, struck a terrorist hideout near Tunfa Primary School in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Sunday.
The military said Mr Alku was invited from the Niger Republic for a meeting with terrorist commanders.
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This operation, the army said, was part of a sustained military effort to weaken the structure and influence of the terror group, including that of Mr Turji, who has been on a security watchlist.
A source from the military who spoke on condition of anonymity to The PUNCH, said, “Surveillance and actionable intelligence enabled the Nigerian military to pinpoint the gathering, prompting a swift and decisive air assault that neutralised multiple targets.
“This operation marks a significant step in dismantling the command structure of terrorist groups operating across the North West.
“Alku was not just a foot soldier. He was deeply involved in arms procurement and coordination of cross-border insurgent activity.”
The Nigerian Army, via its official communication channels, described the success as a demonstration of its resolve to rid the country of terrorism and restore peace to the embattled communities of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina States.
The statement added that mop-up operations were ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to apprehend fleeing terrorists.
Who is Bello Turji?
Named Muhammadu Bello at birth, Mr Turji rose to become one of the most feared terror kingpins in Nigeria, operating from hideouts in Zamfara and Sokoto States.
Turji commands a large group of armed fighters known for brutal raids on rural communities, mass abductions, extortion and violent clashes with security forces, especially their sworn enemies, the local vigilantes.
He had positioned himself as a freedom fighter for the “marginalised” Fulani ethnic group. On many occasions, Mr Turji raided villages, claiming to be avenging the killing or arrest of his kinsmen.
In one of his propaganda videos, Turji justified banditry and violent raids on helpless communities.
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The ideology-based Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) terrorist, Turji is also leveraging the use of social media to promote his activities.
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