By Residents of the Fakai community in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State have called for the establishment of a military base in their area following a successful military operation against notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, which led to the killing of his son and several of his foot soldiers. For fear of reprisal, a prominent member of the community, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, has called on the Nigerian Army to establish a military base in the locality.
The attack on Turji’s camp, carried out by combined ground and air troops under Operation Hadarin Daji last Saturday, dismantled key hideouts in Fakai, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Turji and his associates had been using the area as a base to launch attacks on communities in Shinkafi, Kaura-Namoda, and Isa local government areas of Zamfara and Sokoto states. Shinkafi, a prominent figure and an All Progressives Congress stalwart in the state, commended the army for the successful operation, which neutralized several of Turji’s fighters and his son.
In April 2021, the Zamfara State Police Command arrested seven active military officers on charges of allegedly supporting banditry activities in the state.
He noted that the operation resulted in the destruction of Turji’s property, including food supplies and weapons, while his livestock were either killed or dispersed.
“Although I was not in the state when the incident happened, I learned that Turji narrowly escaped death and is currently on the run, fleeing to an unknown destination,” Shinkafi said. He further explained that Turji’s family members were unaccounted for after the military operation, adding, “Nobody can tell whether they are alive or dead.”
Shinkafi appealed to the Nigerian military to establish a permanent base in the Fakai area to prevent Turji from regrouping and launching further attacks. He expressed concern that without a strong military presence, the bandit leader might return to intensify his assaults on innocent people in the region.
“If the military establishes a base in Fakai village of Shinkafi Local Government Area, I am confident that the issue of Turji will be squarely addressed,” he said. Turji is a local champion who operates primarily within Shinkafi, Kaura-Namoda, and Isa local government areas. A military base in the area would effectively checkmate his nefarious activities.”
Bello Turji (center) and the terrorists of Zamfara.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson for Operation Hadarin Daji, Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, for comments were unsuccessful, as his telephone line was off at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the Olukere of Odo Oja Ikere Ekiti in the Ikere Local Government area of Ekiti State, Oba Ayodele Obasoyin, has commended the military for the establishment of a new military base, 148 battalion, in Ikere Ekiti. In a press statement on Sunday, the monarch said the military base would address security challenges in parts of the state and as well further sustain the peace in the community and others.
Bandit violence across northwest Nigeria has resulted in nearly three million people facing critical food insecurity.
The traditional ruler stressed that security is vital for economic activities as he lauded the Army for playing a critical role in the nation and sub nationals security apparatus.
“Clashes between farmers and herders over destruction of farm crops, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities are factors that threaten peace and socio-economic development of any aspiring society. The full military operations would deter criminals from the axis and as well make them respond swiftly to emergency cases,” Obasoyin said.
The Olukere, who thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for the approval of the military base in the community, called on well-meaning indigenes in top positions to follow suit and promote further multi-faceted development in the town. He said, “Ikere Ekiti is next to Ado Ekiti, the state capital, considering many factors. Its geographical location and population necessitate not only infrastructure, but also security for the people at all times.
Fighters from the gang of Halilu Sububu are pictured during an interview visit to Halilu’s camp in Zamfara state by reporters in February 2021.
“I urge the military officers that will be deployed at the take off of the base to continue the good work they are doing and ensure that the peace being enjoyed in the state continues to thrive. Let me assure the Nigerian Army that we will support them with necessary logistics needed,” the Olukere said.
The Nigerian Honorable Minister of Defense, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
