Top Bello Turji Associate Killed in Sokoto Airstrike, Military Confirms
A close associate of notorious terrorist kingpin Bello Turji, Shaudo Alku, has been confirmed killed in a targeted airstrike by the Nigerian military in Sokoto State.
The operation, conducted on Sunday by the Air Component of Operation Fagge Yama, struck a terrorist hideout near Tunfa Primary School in Isa Local Government Area. The strike neutralised several fighters, including Alku and suspected high-ranking commanders, according to military sources.
Intelligence reports indicated that Alku had crossed into Nigeria from Niger Republic to attend a secret strategy meeting organised by Turji’s faction. Military officials described him as a critical figure in arms procurement and coordination of cross-border insurgent activity.
A senior military source, who requested anonymity, said the strike was made possible by surveillance and credible intelligence, which helped pinpoint the location of the gathering. He added that the operation dealt a significant blow to the command structure of terrorist groups operating in the North West. The source also stressed that Alku was far more than an ordinary foot soldier, as he played a key role in the logistics and weapons supply chain of Turji’s network.
The Nigerian Army, through its official communication channels, said the successful strike reflected the military’s renewed resolve to rid the country of terrorism and restore peace across affected areas in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina States.
Security analyst Dr. Yusuf Anka, reacting to the development, described the airstrike as a major success. However, he cautioned that dismantling terrorist networks would require sustained military pressure and deeper cooperation with neighbouring countries like Niger and Chad.
Residents of Isa Local Government Area also expressed relief over the incident. One resident, who asked not to be named for security reasons, said the sound of explosions followed by the sight of helicopters gave locals a renewed sense of hope that the government had not abandoned them.
The military said mop-up operations were ongoing and that efforts were being intensified to capture fleeing terrorists. Further details, including casualty figures and intelligence recovered, are expected to be released in the coming days.