Army Takes Out Top Turji Lieutenant In Sokoto Dawn Ambush

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division have eliminated a feared bandit commander, Kachalla Kallamu, during a coordinated early-morning operation in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

A senior military source confirmed the development on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, describing Kallamu’s death as a major setback for the criminal network led by notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji. The source disclosed that Kallamu, who served as one of Turji’s most trusted lieutenants, was neutralised alongside a key logistics supplier and nine other bandits near Kurawa village.

The operation, which took place at dawn on Monday, was executed with vital support from local vigilante groups. According to the source, Kallamu had been under military surveillance for months, and his elimination represents a significant blow to bandit activities across Sabon Birni and neighbouring communities.

“Kallamu had long been on our radar. His removal weakens the operational strength of the bandits in this axis,” the source said.

Kallamu, a native of Garin-Idi in Sabon Birni, had inflicted years of terror on residents. After narrowly escaping a previous military offensive in June 2025, he reportedly fled to Kogi State before secretly returning to Sokoto weeks ago.

The source also praised residents for their growing cooperation with security agencies, noting that intelligence provided by local communities has been instrumental in the success of recent operations.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Nigerian Army officially confirmed the operation, stating that troops of the 8 Division under Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma carried out a swift and decisive ambush that led to the neutralisation of 11 bandits and the recovery of a large cache of weapons.

According to the Army, the operation disrupted a planned attack on Tara Village, a strategic route frequently used by bandits and terrorist elements. Acting on credible intelligence, the strike team engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, forcing surviving bandits to flee with gunshot wounds.

Recovered items include eight AK-47 rifles, five additional magazines and 26 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

The Army said the success of the operation not only averted a looming attack but also dealt a heavy blow to criminal networks operating along the volatile Sabon Birni corridor. It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and restoring peace across Sokoto State and the wider North-West region.