A targeted airstrike by the Nigerian military has eliminated Shaudo Alku, a top lieutenant of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji, along with several other fighters in Sokoto State, the Armed Forces confirmed on Sunday.
The precision operation, carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fagge Yama, struck a terrorist enclave near Tunfa Primary School in Isa Local Government Area. According to military intelligence, Alku had crossed into Nigeria from Niger Republic to attend a strategic meeting convened by Turji’s faction.
“Surveillance and actionable intelligence enabled the Nigerian military to pinpoint the gathering, prompting a swift and decisive air assault that neutralised multiple targets,” a military source revealed on condition of anonymity.
Described as a critical link in cross-border logistics and arms procurement for terrorist groups, Alku’s elimination is seen as a major blow to Turji’s operations in Nigeria’s North West. The military noted that the strike marked significant progress in efforts to dismantle terrorist networks wreaking havoc in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states.
In an official statement, the Nigerian Army praised the success of the operation and reiterated its commitment to ridding the country of terrorism. It added that mop-up operations were ongoing, with efforts being intensified to track down fleeing insurgents.
Security analyst Dr. Yusuf Anka described the development as a “big win” but urged continued regional cooperation to fully dismantle the network. “Dismantling terrorist structures requires sustained pressure and coordination with neighbouring countries, especially Niger and Chad,” he said.
Residents of Isa LGA have expressed cautious optimism, with one local resident saying, “We heard the explosions and later saw helicopters. It gave us hope that the government has not forgotten us.”
The strike is part of the renewed military campaign under Operation Fagge Yama, launched to intensify aerial offensives against banditry and terrorism in the troubled North West.
As of press time, the military promised to release additional details, including casualty figures and intelligence gains from the operation.
