Notorious bandit leader Baleri Fakai, a close ally of infamous criminal Bello Turji, has been eliminated along with 30 other terrorists in Zamfara State, News About Nigeria reports.
The operation took place in the Maru Local Government Area (LGA), with the combined efforts of joint security forces.
The news of Fakai’s death was confirmed by Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential adviser, on his X account.
“WONDERFUL: It has been confirmed that the joint security forces have eliminated the notorious bandit leader Baleri Fakai, along with 30 other terrorists, in Maru, Zamfara state,” Ahmad wrote, adding that Fakai’s ally, Bello Turji, may also soon be brought to justice.
Fakai’s death comes shortly after another major operation by the Nigerian Army that led to the killing of Kachallah Buzu, a well-known bandit commander, on September 12.
Buzu, believed to be a key figure in Turji’s network, was neutralised in Mayanchi village, Zamfara, during an ambush set up based on intelligence about terrorist activities in the area.
In addition to Buzu’s elimination, security forces also dismantled a terrorist stronghold in Kaduna, killing another notorious bandit, Sani Wala Burki, and rescuing 13 abducted students.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has reiterated the military’s commitment to ending insecurity in Zamfara and across the region, stating that time is running out for Turji and other bandit leaders.
In a related development, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed the death of another notorious terrorist kingpin, Halilu Sububu, during a joint military operation on September 12.
Sububu, who had been responsible for numerous attacks in Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, and Kaduna states, was killed alongside 38 other terrorists near Mayanchi, Zamfara.
According to NAF Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, the joint operation recovered a large cache of weapons, including machine guns, AK-47 rifles, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
