BELLO TURJI, a kingpin terror leader who has been terrorising the North-west region of Nigeria, has imposed a levy of N22 million on four communities of Sokoto State for killing his close allies including his younger brother, Dosso in a Military operation.
The levy, according to the DailyTrust newspaper, would also serve as compensation for the firearms that went missing during the operation.
The villages according to the member representing Sabon Birni West Constituency at the state House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Boza includes Garin Idi, the hometown of the incumbent deputy Governor of the state, Engineer Idris Gobir.
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Boza also said Turji had shifted his base to the eastern part of Isa local government of the state.
“He is just like a businessman who has multiple shops and is going around to supervise them. He is currently in the eastern part of Isa. That was where the villagers met him for negotiation and he reduced the money from N25 million to N22 million.
“I have always criticized the military for not sustaining their operation in the eastern part of Sokoto because anytime they withdraw, it is the villages that bear the brunt.
Turji On Revenge Mission
On January 23, 2025, several newspapers reported that Turji’s allies were killed in a battle between his gangs and the Military.
Turji, who is a notorious kingpin leader unleashing terror on residents of Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger States, is on a revenge mission for killing and arresting his associates including Bako Wurgi.
The Defence Headquarters announced that the second-in-command to terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, Aminu Kanawa, was killed by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, stated that over seven key commanders of Turji, along with more than 24 of Turji’s fighters fleeing his hideout, were killed when troops stormed his hideout.
Buba said, “Sequel to the 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’s 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).
“Additionally, troops neutralised several of Bello Turji’s key commanders namely: Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe, among others. Furthermore, troops neutralised over 24 fleeing terrorist 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.”
Buba also said troops killed another notable terrorist during the onslaught on Turji’s hideout.
He said, “Troops also neutralised another notable terrorist during the onslaught on Bello Turji’s enclave around Fakai high ground. He is identified as Suleiman, and a loyalist of late notorious terrorist leader, Halilu Sububu.
“The late Suleiman was leading a reinforcement team to rescue Bello Turji’s Camp which was in disarray, when he was eliminated during the fierce fight.
“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. 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.”
