Nigerian Soldiers Kill Bello Turji's Key Ally and Top Lieutenant in Major Raid
- Troops of the 8 Division have neutralised Kachalla Kallamu, a key lieutenant of Bello Turji, during a coordinated operation in Sabon Birni
- Soldiers recovered multiple rifles and ammunition after a prolonged gunfight that forced the terrorists to retreat across a stream
- Communities in Tarah, Karawa and Gatawa celebrated the military’s success and called for continued operations to keep the area secure
The Nigerian Army has eliminated a prominent bandit commander, Kachalla Kallamu, during a coordinated operation in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area of Sokoto state.
Security sources confirmed the development on Tuesday, December 9, and described it as one of the biggest breakthroughs recorded recently against criminal networks in the region.
Source: UGC
Kallamu, known as a close ally of the notorious warlord Bello Turji, was taken down by troops of the 8 Division with support from local vigilantes. The operation occurred in the early hours of Monday, December 8, around Karawa village.
Army records major blow against bandit networks
Sources disclosed that Kallamu was killed alongside a key logistics supplier linked to Turji. Both men had long terrorised communities across Garin Idi and surrounding locations.
Residents said the commander had only recently resurfaced after fleeing a previous military assault in June 2025.
Officials in Sokoto welcomed the success. The special adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on security matters, retired Colonel Ahmad Usman, had earlier praised the army for similar gains in recent weeks. He said troops foiled an ambush on traders travelling from Tarah to a weekly market.
He noted that:
"the swift response, professionalism, and courage displayed by our military personnel averted what could have been a tragic incident and once again reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the lives and property of our people.”
Source: Facebook
Troops recover weapons after fierce gunfight
Residents told reporters that soldiers stationed in Kurawa near Kwanan Kimbo engaged the terrorists in an intense firefight on Monday.
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They said the bandits later retreated across a stream after suffering heavy casualties. Nine bodies were reportedly seen in the immediate area and four more were discovered in nearby bushes.
The army recovered eight AK-47 rifles and a large quantity of ammunition. A military source said the operation was part of Operation Fansan Yamma and confirmed that no soldier was injured. According to him, the terrorists “suffered heavy defeat” during the encounter.
Local vigilance groups and troops also confronted bandits who attacked Gatawa community. The attackers were overpowered and forced to abandon their position. Villagers in Karawa and neighbouring settlements expressed relief and appealed for continuous operations to restore full safety.
Aminu Boza, the lawmaker representing Sabon Birni in the state assembly, said at least nine bodies believed to be those of the terrorists had been sighted. He noted that search efforts were ongoing.
Zulum lists 3 secret terrorist hideouts
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Governor Babagana Zulum had urged the military high command to launch a fully coordinated offensive across the Lake Chad region to dismantle Boko Haram and ISWAP hideouts. He delivered the message while hosting the new Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, during a visit to Maiduguri.
Zulum said the current security gains will not hold unless the armed forces confront the entrenched cells around the Lake Chad islands.
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Source: Legit.ng
