The Nigerian Armed Forces have dealt a significant blow to the criminal and terrorist network led by notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, who operates mostly in the Northwest region of the country.
The Defence Headquarters has said in a press release that in an ongoing military operation against bandits in the region, troops neutralized Bello Turji’s second-in-command, Aminu Kanawa, along with several key commanders and close allies including his younger brother.
According to the statement signed by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the offensive was carried out between Jan. 20 and 21, targeting terrorist hideouts across Sokoto and Zamfara states as part of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
“Troops successfully neutralized Aminu Kanawa, the second-in-command to Bello Turji, and inflicted terminal injuries on Dosso (Bello Turji’s younger brother) and Danbokolo, one of Turji’s closest allies. Additionally, several commanders, including Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba, and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe, were neutralized,” Maj-Gen. Buba said.
He also said that this latest operation also resulted in the neutralisation of over 24 fleeing terrorists from Turji’s camp in the Gebe and Isa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Sokoto State, as well as the Gidan Rijiya area in Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State, all in the North West.
In a separate encounter around the Fakai high ground, troops neutralized Suleiman, a loyalist of the late terrorist leader Halilu Sububu. Suleiman, who was leading a reinforcement team to rescue Turji’s camp, was killed during a fire fight, the statement revealed.
Maj-Gen. Buba noted that the neutralization of Turji’s second-in-command, his close allies, and several key commanders is a significant setback to his terrorist network. He added that the group had been responsible for numerous kidnappings and attacks across the Northwest, particularly in Zurmi, Shinkafi, Isa, and Sabon Birni LGAs of Zamfara and Sokoto states.
“Troops remain resolute in their mission to completely dismantle these terrorist groups and create an atmosphere of safety and security for all citizens,” Buba stated.
With these successful military offensives against Turji’s bandit network, it appears that troops are steadily closing in on the notorious terrorist kingpin Bello Turji, who for the past couple of years has unleashed untold mayhem on many communities in the Northwest.