Troops Kill Bello Turji’s Deputy, Several Fighters in Sokoto, Zamfara
Kehinde Fajobi
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Wednesday that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have killed Aminu Kanawa, the deputy to notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji, along with more than 30 of his fighters, during an operation in Sokoto and Zamfara States.
Major General Edward Buba, the outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed that Kanawa’s death followed a sustained military onslaught on Turji’s network between January 20 and 21.
Buba said, “Sequel to ongoing military onslaught on terrorists in the NW of the country, between the 20-21 Jan 2025, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised the second-in-command of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji, namely Aminu Kanawa.
“Troops also inflicted terminal injuries on some of Bello Turji’s close allies, namely: Dosso (Bello Turji’s younger brother) and Danbokolo (one of Turji’s closest allies).”
He further revealed that troops eliminated seven of Turji’s key commanders, including Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba, and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe.
“Additionally, troops neutralised over 24 fleeing terrorists from Bello Turji’s Camp around Gebe and Isa LGA of Sokoto State, as well as around Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State,” he added.
The operation also resulted in the death of Suleiman, a key loyalist of the late terrorist leader Halilu Sububu.
Suleiman was killed while leading a reinforcement team to rescue Turji’s camp, which was under heavy assault.
Buba said, “The death of Bello Turji’s second in command, close allies, commanders and combatants is a significant blow to the terrorist network in the NW of the country, as well as their military and fighting capabilities.”
He noted that these groups had been responsible for numerous kidnappings and terrorist attacks in Zamfara and Sokoto States, particularly in Zurmi, Shinkafi, Isa, and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas.
The military reiterated its commitment to neutralising Turji and other terrorists, emphasising its goal of ensuring safety and security for all Nigerians.