The Nigerian Military on Tuesday said that two prominent terrorist leaders namely, Abu Radde and Umar Black, operating in Batsari and Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State surrendered to troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, in North-west operational theatre
A statement by Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said the surrender of the bandit leaders followed the ongoing synchronised artillery and aerial bombardment by ground and air component of operation Fansan Yamma which dismantled several terrorist enclaves with high casualties.
This was as the notorious bandit leader, Turji Kachalla, reportedly released all individuals held captive by his group.
General Buba said, “On 19 January 2025, two prominent terrorist leaders namely, Abu Radde and Umar Black, operating in Batsari and Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State surrendered to troops of Operation Fansan Yamma operating in the NW operational theatre of the nation.
“The surrender was occasioned by ongoing synchronised offensive operations by the ground troops and the air component which resulted in several terrorist dislodged from their enclaves with high casualties.
“During the operations, troops recovered assorted weapons, ammunition as well as secured the release of 15 hostages held by the terrorist”.
The Director stressed that troops are sustaining the momentum to hunt down notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji, among others, assuring that the military will continue to eliminate treats posed by terrorist and destroy them on the battlefield.
Concluding that the terrorist either surrender or be buried on the battlefield, Buba averred that troops will continue with their operations to create conditions whereby terrorist are denied the ability to carry out acts of terror against citizens.
Meanwhile, a Lake Chad Basin counter-terrorism and insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, revealed that the notorious bandit leader, Turji Kachalla, reportedly released all individuals held captive by his group.
This impressive development may not be unconnected with the heightened military air and ground onslaught against bandit strongholds in Zamfara State, with particular focus on Turji’s identified enclaves.
THISDAY reported that that Turji’s son, alongside other loyalists were killed during military onslaught against bandit enclaves.
THISDAY also reported that the dreadful bandit leader Turji Kachalla went spiritual to invade being captured alive or death by the military and other state forces.
This development comes amid heightened military operations aimed at capturing the fugitive and dismantling his network in Zamfara State and surrounding regions.
Makama said Turji’s decision to free the captives is linked to the intense pressure mounted by the Nigerian Armed Forces under Operation Fansan Yamma.
Recent airstrikes and ground offensives targeting his hideouts in Fakai, Shinkafi, and surrounding areas have significantly weakened his group, forcing them into retreat.
Makama added: “The release of the captives is being seen as a strategic move by Turji to avoid further escalation or a direct confrontation with security forces who have been closing in on him”.
The troops have vowed to get him dead or Alive.