COUNTER-INSURGENCY WAR… Troops Close In On Turji, Kill 2nd-in-command

The counterinsurgency war in Nigeria is yielding results as troops have closed in on notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) revealed that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have eliminated Aminu Kanawa, second-in-command to wanted terrorist Bello Turji, leaving his camp in disarray.

According to a statement by the director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba,this success follows the ongoing military onslaught on terrorists in the North West of the country between January 20 and 21 2025.

He said troops also inflicted terminal injuries on some of  Turji’s close allies, such as Dosso (Bello Turji’s younger brother) and Danbokolo (one of Turji’s closest allies).

According to the statement, troops have neutralised several 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.

General Buba stated further that troops also neutralised over 24 fleeing terrorists from Bello Turji’s Camp at Gebe area and in Isa local government area (LGA) of Sokoto State, as well as around Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State.

Buba added that troops also neutralised another notable terrorist during the onslaught on Bello Turji’s enclave around Fakai high ground, identified as Suleiman, and a loyalist of a late notorious terrorist leader, Halilu Sububu.

He recalled that last year, Suleiman led a reinforcement team to rescue Bello Turji’s Camp, which was in disarray, and he was eliminated during the firefight.

“The death of Bello Turji’s second in command, close allies, commanders and combatants is a significant blow to the terrorist network in the North West 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 North West, particularly in Zurmi, Shinkafi, Isa, and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Sokoto States,” he said.

He gave the assurance that troops would not relent until these terrorists are destroyed and there is an atmosphere of safety and security for all citizens.

The notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, according to reports, has come under the weight of the Nigerian military.  Three days ago, troops raided a camp belonging to him on the Fakai hills and killed his son.

A statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said troops, on 17 January 2025 conducted clearance operations along Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa and Chindo axis.

He said troops during the operation killed scores of terrorists, including Turji’s  son, on Fakai high ground where the terrorist was hiding.

He said the troops engaged the terrorists in a gunfight that resulted in high terrorist casualties and destroyed  their logistics hub.

“The operations also resulted in the rescue of several kidnapped hostages held captive by Turji.

“The terrorist leader, Bello Turji, in a gross cowardly act, escaped, abandoning his son and combatants,” Buba said.

In a related development, General Buba said troops also destroyed another terrorist kingpin’s camp known as Idi Mallam along Zango Kagara Forest.

He added that troops during the encounter neutralised three terrorists and arrested three suspected collaborators. They also recovered two machine guns, one AK47 rifle with a magazine containing 11 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.

Troops also recovered 61 rustled cattle and 44 sheep, among other sundry items.