The Nigerian military on Wednesday confirmed the death of Aminu Kanawa, the second-in-command to bandit leader, Bello Turji.

The defence headquarters, in a statement by the outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba, confirmed that Kanawa was killed by the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma.

Buba also disclosed that the troops inflicted serious injuries on some of Turji’s closest allies, including his younger brother.

According to Buba, in an update on the operation in the Northwest, the military killed no fewer than seven key commanders of Turji, along with more than 24 of his fighters fleeing his hideout.

“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, namely Aminu Kanawa,” Buba said.

“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 terrorists 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.”

According to Buba, troops killed another notable terrorist during the onslaught on Turji’s hideout.

“Troops also neutralised another notable terrorist during the onslaught on Bello Turji’s enclave around Fakai high ground,” he said.

“He is identified as Suleiman, a loyalist of the 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 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 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.”

Buba stated that troops are not relenting until these terrorists are completely destroyed.

He added that the troops’ operations are aimed at creating an atmosphere of safety and security for all citizens.

the guardian