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FACT CHECK: How Bello Turji ambush DSS personnel and HYBRID forces in Fakai village, Zamfara
FACT CHECK: How Bello Turji ambush DSS personnel and HYBRID forces in Fakai village, Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Following the deadly ambush on a covert counter-banditry operation in Chida village of Fakai, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, by the DSS and Hybrid personnel, conflicting reports have continued to swirl around the actual number of casualties and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Some media outlets initially reported that 24 security personnel were killed. Others, in the following hours, raised the figures to 40, and by the next day, some headlines claimed up to 100 fatalities. However, an in-depth fact-check conducted by Zagazola Makama has uncovered discrepancies in the early media narratives and clarifies what truly transpired.
The Operation
On June 23, a joint covert operation involving the Department of State Services (DSS) and a special unit of the HYBRID Forces a blend Civilian Joint Task Force operatives was launched into the notorious bandit stronghold of Chida village. The area is a known operational base of Bello Turji, one of the most wanted terror leaders in the North West.
According to credible intelligence sources familiar with the operation, over 314 personnel were mobilised for the assault. The objective was a targeted neutralisation of Bello Turji and his lutenant that have reigned terror in the North West region.
At the onset, the mission recorded initial success. Over 25 bandits were reportedly neutralised, and several camps were destroyed in the first phase of the assault.
However, things tool a bad turn quickly when fleeing terrorists reportedly reached Turji’s inner enclave and informed him of the incursion. In response, Turji is believed to have mobilised more than 100 heavily armed fighters for a swift counter-attack.
According to sources on the ground, the DSS-led personnel, operating without clear aerial surveillance or local terrain advantage, were taken by surprise in a devastating ambush. The attackers reportedly surrounded the operatives and launched a coordinated assault with heavy fire.
The ambush resulted in the instant deaths of 10 members of the HYBRID Forces and one Bashir Maniya an ex-militant leader along with two of his lieutenants from Sokoto who had joined the mission. An additional 28 operatives fled into surrounding bushes in a bid to escape. Twenty-three others, including DSS personnel and local civilians, were wounded during the assault, and 48 individuals were still unaccounted for at the time of filing this report. Two operational vehicles belonging to the DSS were also destroyed, and some weapons were reportedly seized by the bandits.
Reality Check on Fatalities
Contrary to exaggerated figures circulating online and in print, official intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola that only 13 confirmed deaths occurred in the ambush 10 HYBRID operatives, 3 private collaborators. The majority of the operatives 238 out of 314 returned without injury. Bello Turji later did a video showing at-least 9 people who were killed at the scene, while others died from injuries.
Communication Failure and Lack of Reinforcement
One critical factor that complicated the aftermath was the total blackout in GSM communication in Zamfara’s Shinkafi axis. With no satellite or radio relay functioning at the time, reinforcements could not be deployed promptly. The terrain, notorious for its poor access roads and dense bush paths, due to the rain fall, further impeded a quick response by the troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA.
Security experts who spoke to Zagazola Makama emphasised that the outcome may have been different had there been real-time intelligence coordination, backup planning, and multi-agency synergy, especially involving the military or air support during the operation.
The DSS reportedly undertook the mission with minimal collaboration from the Nigerian Army or Air Force, despite the high-risk nature of the target.
Security analysts warn that no single agency should undertake deep incursions into hostile territories like Shinkafi without full-spectrum support including ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance), air support, casualty evacuation plans, and fallback protocols.
While the nation continues to support and commend the bravery of operatives confronting violent non-state actors in the North West, it is imperative that future missions—particularly those targeting high-value targets like Bello Turjiare better coordinated. Only a unified front across intelligence, military, and paramilitary agencies can yield sustainable results and prevent tragic losses.
FACT CHECK: How Bello Turji ambush DSS personnel and HYBRID forces in Fakai village, Zamfara
Adamawa Court fixes Nov. 3 for Furore Emirate case defense
Adamawa State High Court IV sitting in Yola on Wednesday adjourned a case challenging the Adamawa government for the creation of the Fufore emirate council from Adamawa emirate to November 3rd and 4th for defense.
Justice Musa Usman who presided over the case said, this at the end of two days hearing from the principal witness, plaintiffs.
The case which was filed by the three traditional titles holders of Adamawa emirate; Alhaji Musa Halilu, Dujuma Adamawa, Mustapha Dahiru, Yarima Adamawa and Alhaji Mustapha Ahmadu, Sarki Noma Adamawa that due process was not followed before the creation of Fufore emirate.
Manga Nurudeen (SAN), counsel to the plaintiffs, told newsmen at the end of the seating that they had called four witnesses in the case and concluded.
“As you may have seen, the court has adjourned to 3rd and 4th of November for the defense, for the government and the new airmen to bring their own witnesses to be cross examined.
The defense counsel, state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Afraimu Jingi, also said they have successfully taken the evidence of the plaintiffs during the two days of seating.
“They listed five witnesses they were able to call four and they closed their case.
“And fortunately we have been able to answer the questions to our mind that we thought we can discredit them to our mind which is left to the court to determine”, he said.
According to him, they were satisfied with the proceedings and they do not have any burden on them as the next agenda will be defense.
Adamawa Court fixes Nov. 3 for Furore Emirate case defense
NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening grassroots security and community-based intelligence across the country as tools for tackling insecurity.
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi gave the commitment during his working visit of Anambra State as part of his continued strategic operational tour of the South East.
Audi, who was received by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, noted that his visit was aimed at assessing the welfare of personnel, understanding field challenges, and reinforcing the Corps’ operational capacity in the region.
Speaking during the courtesy call at the Government House, Awka, the Commandant General commended the Governor for his administration’s proactive efforts in maintaining peace and stability. He also solicited greater logistical and infrastructural support to enhance the NSCDC’s performance in the state.
He said: “Security must begin from the grassroots. That is where the people live, work, and build the future. The Corps remains resolute in delivering quality service and ensuring that the confidence of Nigerians, particularly Ndi Anambra, in our operations is not misplaced.”
Soludo, in his response, commended the NSCDC for its professionalism, discipline, and resilience, especially in safeguarding critical national assets and public infrastructure.
He said: “Here in Anambra, the Light of the Nation, our greatest asset is our people: creative, enterprising, and innovative. They are the engine of our economy. Ensuring their safety and prosperity is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate the NSCDC for standing firm in that mission.”
The governor pledged continued partnership and support for the Corps, affirming that security remains the foundation for the state’s economic growth and innovation-driven development.
The Commandant General’s tour of Anambra is part of a nationwide operational assessment aimed at improving welfare, operational readiness, and synergy among security stakeholders. It underscores the NSCDC’s renewed focus on community trust, proactive engagement, and service excellence under Prof. Audi’s leadership.
NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence
Security forces rescue three kidnapped women in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have rescued three kidnapped women following a gun battle with bandits along the Anka–Bukkuyum road in Anka Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 6 p.m. on Oct. 7, when armed bandits blocked the highway and attacked a Golf vehicle with registration number RBC 22 ABUJA.
The assailants abducted the driver and three passengers before the arrival of the Anti-Kidnapping team led by Insp. Ibrahim Ubandoma.
The security team engaged the bandits in a fierce shootout, overpowering them and rescuing the three abducted passengers unhurt.
The rescued victims were identified as Lantana Abubakar, aged 70; Fatima Muhammad, aged 45; and Suwaiba Muhammad, aged 40, all residents of Gummi town in Gummi Local Government Area.
The victims were safely escorted to Anka town by the security team.
Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted driver, as patrol operations continue in the area.
Security forces rescue three kidnapped women in Zamfara
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Adamawa Court fixes Nov. 3 for Furore Emirate case defense
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