THE DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS has said that soldiers from Operation Fansan Yamma had killed Aminu Kanawa, the terrorist mastermind Bello Turji’s second-in-command on Wednesday.
According to the DHQ, Turji’s younger brother and other close associates suffered severe injuries at the hands of the forces.
This comes after DHQ disclosed on Monday that during clearance operations on Turji’s stronghold, forces murdered his son and fighters.
The terrorist commander was also made fun of by the military for deserting his kid and other combatants during the gunfight.
Following Turji’s repeated taunts of the military and challenge to fight them after being declared wanted and the arrest of his associate, Bako Wurgi, in December 2024, the DHQ had earlier threatened to capture or kill Turji in 2025.
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Despite the recent surrender of two terrorist commanders in the North-West, the DHQ reiterated in a statement released on Tuesday its determination to capture Turji.
The departing Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, provided an update on the operation in the North West on Wednesday. He said that when forces attacked Turji’s stronghold, they killed over seven of his top leaders and over 24 of his warriors who were escaping from his hideout.
According to Buba, “Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops neutralised Aminu Kanawa, the second-in-command of infamous terrorist leader Bello Turji, between January 20 and 21, 2025, in response to the ongoing military assault on terrorists in the northwest of the country.” Additionally, troops killed Dosso, Bello Turji’s younger brother, and Danbokolo, one of Turji’s closest associates, by inflicting fatal wounds on them.
Furthermore, a number of Bello Turji’s important leaders were neutralised by the army, including Bello Buba, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Abu Dan Shehu, and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe. Additionally, more than 24 escaping terrorists from Bello Turji’s Camp were killed by forces in the areas of Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State, as well as in Gebe and Isa LGA of Sokoto State.
Buba said that during the attack on Turji’s hideaway, forces murdered another prominent terrorist.
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He stated, “During the assault on Bello Turji’s Enclave around Fakai high ground, troops also neutralised another notable terrorist.” He is Suleiman, a supporter of the late, infamous terrorist commander Halilu Sububu.
The deceased Suleiman was killed in the shootout while leading a reinforcement party to save Bello Turji’s chaotic camp. “The terrorist network in the northwest of the nation, as well as their military and fighting skills, have suffered a serious blow with the deaths of Bello Turji’s second in command, close associates, commanders, and warriors.
These groups of terrorists were notorious for numerous kidnappings and terrorist attacks across the NW, particularly in Zurmi, Shinkafi, Isa, and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Sokoto States. “Overall, troops are not relenting until these terrorists are completely destroyed. Troops operations are aimed at creating an atmosphere of safety and security for all citizens.”
