The Nigerian military has confirmed the neutralization of Alhaji Shaudo Alku, a top commander serving under notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji, in a precision airstrike conducted in Sokoto State.
The operation was executed by the Air Component of Operation Fasan Yamma (OPFY) on Saturday, May 18, 2025, targeting a gathering of bandits near Tunfa Primary School in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to a statement posted on the military's official Facebook page on Sunday, Alhaji Shaudo Alku was reportedly invited from neighboring Niger Republic for a strategic meeting when the airstrike occurred. The operation also resulted in the elimination of several foot soldiers and other yet-to-be-identified terrorist commanders.
Security analysts have described Alku's death as a significant blow to the terror network operating along Nigeria's northwest corridor, particularly the syndicate loyal to Bello Turji. Turji has been linked to numerous deadly attacks, kidnappings, and banditry operations across the region.
The military explained that this strike is part of an intensified counterinsurgency campaign aimed at degrading terrorist operations and dismantling leadership structures in the region. The operation demonstrates the military's continued commitment to addressing the security challenges in Nigeria's northwest zone.
Bello Turji, who remains at large, has been a major security concern for authorities, orchestrating various criminal activities including mass abductions and village raids across northwestern Nigeria.
The successful operation comes as part of broader efforts by Nigerian security forces to combat banditry and terrorism in the northern regions of the country, where armed groups have caused significant humanitarian crises through displacement and economic disruption.
