The Nigerian military has intensified its crackdown on notorious terrorist Bello Turji, killing his second-in-command, Aminu Kanawa, alongside several key commanders and fighters in coordinated operations in Sokoto and Zamfara States.
The military, in a statement on Wednesday, revealed that the operations were carried out between Monday and Tuesday, targeting Turji’s camps in Gebe, Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, and Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Major General Edward Buba, the military spokesperson, confirmed the development, stating that the onslaught resulted in the elimination of 24 terrorists, including top commanders such as Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba, and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe.
The operation also inflicted injuries on some of Turji’s close associates, including Dosso, who is Turji’s younger brother, and Danbokolo, a trusted ally.
“In addition to these successes, troops neutralized another notable terrorist, Suleiman, who was leading a reinforcement team to rescue Turji’s camp. Suleiman was a loyalist of the late Halilu Sububu and was eliminated during the firefight around the Fakai high ground,” Buba said.
The military spokesperson described the operation as a significant victory against Turji’s network, which has been linked to countless terror attacks, kidnappings, and killings across northwest Nigeria. Turji’s group has terrorized communities in Zurmi, Shinkafi, Isa, and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas, leaving a trail of devastation and causing the displacement of thousands of residents.
“The death of Turji’s second-in-command, key commanders, and combatants is a major setback to his operations. Troops are determined to dismantle this network completely and restore safety and security to the affected communities,” Buba added.
Despite the military’s recent successes, Bello Turji himself remains elusive. His continued attacks have claimed hundreds of lives and plunged several communities in the northwest into crisis. However, the military has reiterated its commitment to capturing or neutralizing the terror kingpin and ending his reign of terror.
The recent strike comes days after the military announced the killing of Turji’s son in a separate operation. These developments underscore the military’s resolve to eliminate terrorist networks and create an atmosphere of peace in the region.
Residents in affected areas have expressed cautious optimism as the military intensifies its offensive against Turji’s group, which has been one of the most dangerous in the region. The fight against terrorism remains a top priority for security forces, with sustained efforts to curb the activities of bandits and insurgents across the country.
